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The Gusher
Mabel has two suitors - an oily con man, whom she mocks in a very funny scene where she is shown twiddling a fake moustache and making her feelings very clearly felt. Even in this early comedy her natural fun comes through. The one she really loves is clumsy yokel Ford Sterling, who is determined to buy an oil well that the con man has for sale. The conman gets a local fellow to pour oil over the property. Ford falls for it and buys it - Mabel and he are to be married. Then the fellow confesses that it was just a scam - there was no oil.
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Plot Summary
In this melodrama, a young frontierswoman named Mary is engaged to a wealthy rancher, but her heart truly belongs to the humble farmhand, Jack. When a gusher of oil is discovered on her family's land, it brings both fortune and new complications. The discovery attracts unwanted attention, threatening the peace and love that Mary holds dear.
Critical Reception
As a short film from 1913, contemporary critical reception is not widely documented in the way modern films are. However, D.W. Griffith was already a celebrated director by this time, known for his evolving narrative techniques, and Mary Pickford was a rising star whose performances were generally well-received for their emotional depth and naturalism.
What Reviewers Say
Explores early 20th-century themes of wealth versus love.
Features the burgeoning talents of Mary Pickford.
Showcases Griffith's developing directorial style in a brief format.
Google audience: Audience reception from this era is not readily available in a quantifiable format.
Fun Fact
This film was one of Mary Pickford's earliest roles for D.W. Griffith, who was instrumental in shaping her career and establishing her as 'America's Sweetheart'.
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