While not as well known as the famous Marguerite Clark version of "Snow White", also released in 1916, this attempt does have it's merits. Before the Clark version was discovered in a Dutch archive, this version was often mistaken for the Clark film, and is even featured in the 1987 50th Anniversary TV tribute to the Walt Disney "Snow White", in place of the Clark film.
The cast of this version is comprised entirely children, mostly female. Aimee Ehrlich plays BOTH "Good Queen Mary" AND "Snow White". This is a very popular practice in casting the characters of a deceased mother and her adult daughter. Two fine examples of this casting can be seen in films such as the 1925 version of "Les Miseables" and the 1940 Judy Garland musical "Little Nellie Kelly". She is very sweet as "Queen Mary" but slightly spastic as "Snow White". As our title character, she spends 90% of her screen time skipping and running in circles, waving her arms about like a mad woman. There were actually several times I feared she would run into a tree or simply topple over.
Ruth Richie is hysterical as "Wicked Queen Alice". This girl has some severe issues and Richie makes the most out of each and every one of them! Her hair pulling and fist pounding are enough to make any viewer laugh, and is the highlight of the film.
The "King", Snow White's widower father, is played by Patsy Grace Lichtenburg. Cast females in male roles is a very common practice in fairy tales, particularly in the annual British pantomime productions. The "King" had little more to do than dote on Snow White in the beginning and walk around like an enchanted zombie for the rest of the film. But, if that's all "he" need to, Lichtenburg does it well.
The group of giddy fairy's, who are responsible for Snow White's birth, are a charming at the same time annoying. When first introduced, the little girls playing the roles are adorable with their little ringlets and fairy frocks. But, like the character of "Snow White", they spend the movie dancing and twirling around all over the screen. One pointless scene involves them throwing a party for Snow White, because she was saved from the poisoned comb the Queen gave her. The scene is endless and gives "Snow White" yet another opportunity to dance around like twit....this time on a table.
The cinematography, for an early 1900's kiddie film, is quite well done. The use of long shots allows the viewer to take in and appreciate the wonderful natural landscapes and quite elaborate sets. It reminded me slightly of the old Baum, "OZ Film Manufacturing Company" movies of the same era.
IF you can find this film, which is available through Buyer's Gallery Video, it is worth the watch. Considered lost, as was the Marguerite Clark version, it is a rare gem and insight to early American cinema. Two other silent versions of Snow White were known to have been made, both also considered "lost". One is a French version from 1902 and the other an American one starring silent beauty Elise Albert, from 1913. Hopefully, these two will surface one day!
