User Reviews

The admirers of the works of Hall Caine will find much to their liking in the nine-reel version of "The Deemster." produced by the Arrow Film Corp., with Derwent Hall Caine, son of the novelist, as Daniel Mylrea. Scenically, the picture is a delight. Laid on the Isle of Man early in the eighteenth century, the stretches of bold coast line, broad expanses of foam flecked ocean, picturesque views of humble fishing huts, and of the imposing castles of the lords of the land, are always things of beauty, and harmonize perfectly with the strange, primitive people depicted in the tale. Born on the island, Hall Caine knew all the legends and odd beliefs of his countrymen by heart, and wrote of them as one who held each tradition and article of faith in the deepest reverence. As a consequence, the modern mind frequently finds the author of "The Deemster" devoted to the obvious and the hysterical; to others he is a novelist who depicts humanity with moving power and great faithfulness. "The Deemster" is universally acknowledged as one of his masterpieces, and the story lends itself easily and effectively to screen requirements. Readers of the book will readily recall the love of Daniel Mylrea for Mona, the daughter of the Governor of the island, and the sorrow it brought to both; of how the brother of Mona was killed by her lover in self-defense, and of the sentence of banishment pronounced upon him by his own father. If some of the situations seem familiar to the screen, it should be remembered that the story is one of Hall Caine's earliest works and was written long before the birth of the moving picture. A critical estimate of the photographic version uncovers but few points at which to take exception. The largest of these is over emphasis, a shortening of a number of scenes being desirable, especially those at the jail. This jail, by the way, is the only mistake in locations made in the picture, it looks large enough to house comfortably half the inhabitants of the island. These defects are of minor importance, compared to the romantic and scenic charm of the photoplay. A novel and impressive incident is the trial of Daniel Mylrea on Tynwald Hill, the ancient law mount. There is a sentimental interest in the selection of Derwent Hall Caine to head the cast. The young man is able to maintain his position by right of merit. He is more the intellectual than the romantic type, and has been endowed with the Jovian brow of his sire. His acting reveals an easy command of his resources, and his personality is distinctly in his favor. A better understanding of repose, as applied to the screen, and a greater variety of facial expression, are two attributes of his art that will come to him through experience. Marian Swayne is physically attractive and mentally alert in the character of Mona. She also plays with sincerity and feeling. Sidney Bracy is the best male member of the supporting cast, and competent impersonations should be credited to Albert Froom, K. Barnes Clarendon, Alexander Hall, James Levering, Ben Lodge, Thomas O'Malley, Lee Post, William V. Miller and Freeman Barnes. W. E. Shallenburg, who presents the picture, has provided liberally and wisely for its production. Other names connected with the making of "The Deemster" are Charles A, Taylor and E. A. Bingham, the scenarists; Howell Hansel, dramatic director, and Henry Cronjager, in charge of the photographic work. – The Moving Picture World, February 24, 1917