With the exception of the public

A young woman from a small town comes to New York City to pursue a career on the stage. She faces numerous challenges and heartbreaks in her pursuit of stardom, dealing with manipulative men and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. Despite the hardships, she remains determined to achieve her dreams.

Upon its release, 'With the Exception of the Public' received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Lillian Gish's performance and the film's dramatic intensity, while others found the plot to be somewhat melodramatic and predictable. It was generally considered a respectable, though not groundbreaking, film of its era.

• Lillian Gish delivers a compelling performance that anchors the film.

• The narrative occasionally veers into melodrama.

• A poignant portrayal of ambition and disillusionment in the theater world.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this early film is not readily available through typical aggregation services. However, contemporary reviews suggest a mixed to positive response, particularly for the lead performance.

Lillian Gish, known for her iconic roles in silent films, made a significant transition to sound with films like this, showcasing her adaptability as an actress.