The Wives of Jamestown

It is difficult adequately to describe this beautiful production without creating the impression that the writer is indulging in exaggerated language. Gene Gauntier has never done stronger work than she does in these two reels. Nor has Jack Clark. There is a wealth of incident to hold the attention throughout, no "padding" to make 2,000 feet. There are fine outdoor settings, as the scene in front of the castle where Bryan with his flute plays for Lady Geraldine; of the meadow, with the brook in the background, and the cows grazing; of the garden where Bryan surprises Lady Geraldine; on the ship bearing Bryan away from Ireland, the shores and hills of Old Erin in the distance; of the canoe in which the new-comer descends the placid river to Jamestown to attend the sale of wives and also the return of John Pierce and his bride over the same route, these latter scenes marking an especially striking piece of photography, although this is fine throughout; the grove where was staged the sale of the women from the other side. Above and beyond all else in this feature, however, is the dramatic quality. There are many "big scenes," too many to enumerate. It is a story that reaches the heart, stirs it, thrills it. The Kalem Company is to be thanked for giving it to us. Sidney Olcott made the picture. The hand of a master and an artist shows in the making. It is to be assumed that George Hollister operated the camera. It is in a picture of this rank that the importance of a cameraman bulks big. Don't miss seeing "The Wives of Jamestown." - The Moving Picture World, January 25, 1913