Alixe; or, The Test of Friendship

Eugene Mullin, the author of this picture, has given, as a secondary title, "Or the Test of Friendship," but the eye of the spectator never leaves the story's center of interest, the woman. The plot is skillfully planned to keep it there, and there it would have been, even though Helen Gardner had not been cast in the leading role. The friend is played for the sake of the impression as a whole by Earle Williams and so on account of his artistic virtue will not be noticed. In her role, Miss Gardner makes one of her big characterizations. What art she has! She holds back, like a skillful runner, till the end, where an emotional breakdown was needed, and walks from the scene, the very picture of rebellion comforted by love and breaking into tears. But this would be little if it were all. Her intellect plainly sees much between the lines of the scenario and she coldly goes about expressing it, as one who aims at a target. When the picture was made, she didn't always succeed in hiding her method and, instead of seeming cool, seemed cold at times, once in a while, even mechanical. Harry Morey and Harry Northrup have roles. The picture was produced by W.V. Ranous. The photography is flat, but clear enough. It makes a very desirable offering. - The Moving Picture World, April 19, 1913