Movie spotlight
The Two Orphans
REEL ONE: Diane Eleanor De Vaudrey secretly marries a man beneath her. A child is born, Louise, the blind girl. Diane's father kills her husband and forces her to marry the Count de Linieres, who remains ignorant of Louise's existence. Louise is placed in the keeping of a peasant woman who has a child of her own, Henriette. Eighteen years later, the peasant woman dies and the two orphans start for Paris. The day they arrive in Paris, the Marquis de Preales notices Henriette and decides to kidnap her. Henriette rescues Marianne, an outcast, from suicide. Henriette is abducted by the Marquis. Marianne, in order to escape from Jacques Frochard, surrenders to the Gendarmes. Louise, left alone, starts toward the river and is saved from falling into the water by Pierre Frochard. a brother of Jacques. La Frochard, an old woman beggar, lives with her two sons. Louise now falls into their hands. The Marquis has brought Henriette to a garden fete, given in honor of the Chevalier.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on the popular French play, this silent drama tells the story of two young orphans, Henriette and Louise, who are separated and face numerous hardships in 18th-century France. Henriette is forced into servitude and faces the dangers of Parisian society, while Louise suffers from blindness and poverty. Their journey is fraught with peril, exploitation, and the struggle for survival.
Critical Reception
As an early silent film by D. W. Griffith, 'The Two Orphans' was a significant production for its time, known for its dramatic intensity and the performances of its cast, particularly Mary Pickford. While specific critical reviews from 1911 are scarce, the film was popular with audiences and demonstrated Griffith's burgeoning skill in cinematic storytelling.
What Reviewers Say
A melodramatic and emotional early silent film.
Features a notable performance from a young Mary Pickford.
Showcases D. W. Griffith's developing directorial techniques.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this 1911 silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
This film was one of Mary Pickford's earliest major roles, establishing her as a significant star in the burgeoning film industry.
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