Im großen Augenblick

Unwed Asta Nielsen has a hard time convincing herself to give up her infant to the wealthy lady. She finally does so. But three years later, she invades the house for the child and escapes with the help of Hugo Fink, who has been scolded once too often for drinking on the job. They flee across the river, where Fink's continual drinking and threats make Miss Nielsen realize she has made a mistake.

I've written occasionally that no one had a clear idea of how to make a feature before about 1914. But clearly Urban Gad did. Although only about 35 minutes long, this still moves from one plot point to the next, ending with a huge fire at the end to cap it off. Miss Nielsen's performance is extraordinary for any age, particularly with the opening scenes in which she tries and fails to distance herself emotionally from the infant she knows she cannot keep.