The Test
Harry, preparing to leave on a business trip, tells Bessie that her photograph will always be with him. To test his sincerity she removes the photo from his bill case, and when he writes her that he is looking at her picture, she writes back that she knows otherwise. Realizing that he has been found out, Harry obtains his mother's photograph of Bessie, and upon his return home convinces her that he had it all along.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman from a privileged background defies her father's wishes to marry a poor suitor. She elopes with her lover, but their happiness is short-lived as they face hardship and poverty. Ultimately, the young woman must confront her father and prove the strength of her love and her own resilience.
Critical Reception
As an early silent film from D. W. Griffith, 'The Test' is notable for its narrative ambition and the performances of its cast, particularly Mary Pickford in an early dramatic role. While it reflects the conventions of early cinema, it showcased Griffith's developing directorial skill in storytelling and character development.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for early dramatic performances.
- Recognized as an example of Griffith's burgeoning directorial talent.
- Reflects the narrative style of early 20th-century cinema.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film from 1909 is not available.
Fun Fact
This short film was one of Mary Pickford's earliest appearances and helped establish her as a talented young actress at the nascent Biograph Company.
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