Movie spotlight
Periwinkle
On a desolate beach near a lifesaving station, Ira, the youngest member of the lifeguard crew, rescues a baby girl from a wreck. The child is cared for at the station, where the men christen her Periwinkle. Living near the station are Ephraiam Rawlins and his childless daughter Ann, a widow with maternal longings. Joyously, Ann takes charge of Periwinkle and raises the girl as her own. Grown to adulthood, Periwinkle is the bright spot for the men at the station. One day, Richard Langdon Evans, a dissolute, wealthy young New Yorker, is cast ashore from the wreck of his yacht. Periwinkle, aiding the lifesavers, helps bring him back to life. Her innocent goodness and faith transform Dick from a carousing society ne'er-do-well to a man of noble ambitions. Thus rehabilitated, Dick wins Periwinkle's hand in marriage.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman named Periwinkle dreams of a life beyond her humble circumstances. Through a series of comical mishaps and encounters, she navigates societal expectations and pursues her own desires. The film follows her journey as she tries to find happiness and independence in a rapidly changing world.
Critical Reception
As a silent short film from 1917, "Periwinkle" received contemporary reviews that are difficult to access and assess by modern standards. However, it is recognized as an example of early comedic filmmaking, showcasing the talents of its lead actress and director, Gale Henry, who was a notable figure in early Hollywood.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its lighthearted comedic elements.
Noted for the expressive performance of Gale Henry.
Considered a charming, albeit brief, piece of early cinema.
Google audience: Audience reception for "Periwinkle" is not documented through modern platforms, making a specific summary of Google user feedback impossible. As an early silent film, it is primarily appreciated by film historians and enthusiasts of silent cinema.
Fun Fact
Gale Henry, who not only starred in but also directed "Periwinkle," was one of the few women in Hollywood during the early 1910s and 1920s to achieve success as both an actress and a director.
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