The Mender of the Nets is a typical D. W. Griffith melodrama about a young innocent girl ( Mary Pickford ) who works by the seashore mending nets for the fishermen. She falls in love with a handsome fellow ( Charles West ) who promises marriage, but forgets to inform her, he is still very attached to another young girl ( Mabel Normand ). Mary Pickford's performance is extremely good in this short film, with the use of her natural gestures, she easily conveys the young girl's feelings of love, betrayal, and finally pity for the other woman. Mabel Normand is equally very good in her role as the confused and hurt other young girl. The story moves along at a sufficient pace and is beautifully shot on location along the shoreline of Santa Monica, California. What I enjoyed most about this early Biograph film is seeing 2 of the silent eras most popular actresses together, before each would go on independently with very successful careers of their own. If you appreciate the early work of silent film director D. W. Griffith, I am sure you will find this lovely film entertaining.
Review of The Mender of Nets
