Movie spotlight
The White Rose
A wealthy young Southern aristocrat, Joseph, graduates from a seminary and, before he takes charge of his assigned parish, decides to go out and see what "the real world" is all about. He winds up in New Orleans and finds himself attracted to a poor, unsophisticated orphan girl, Bessie. One thing leads to another, and before long Bessie finds that she is pregnant with Joseph's child.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a Southern town, a young woman named Martha is ostracized after a series of misfortunes. She finds solace and love with a kind young man named Barry, but their happiness is threatened by societal prejudice and past secrets. Martha must confront her past and fight for her future amidst the harsh realities of her community.
Critical Reception
Released during a period of significant critical output for D.W. Griffith, 'The White Rose' received mixed reviews. While some critics praised Gish's performance and the film's emotional depth, others found its melodrama and plot contrivances to be excessive. The film was not as commercially successful as some of Griffith's earlier works.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for Lillian Gish's moving performance as the ostracized heroine.
Criticized for its overly sentimental plot and melodramatic tone.
Seen by some as a return to Griffith's earlier dramatic prowess, while others found it dated.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The White Rose' is not widely documented through modern aggregate platforms. Contemporary reviews suggest it was a film that divided opinions, appealing to those who appreciated its dramatic sentimentality but alienating others with its perceived excess.
Fun Fact
The film marked the final collaboration between D.W. Griffith and Lillian Gish, who had been one of his most important actresses.
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