The Goddess of Sagebrush Gulch

A good, interesting story, commendably sensational. It serves to contrast the characters of two sisters. The dark one, who comes on a visit to the sagebrush, steals the sweetheart away from the light haired one, the "Goddess of Sagebrush." It was acted by all pretty well. The goddess is especially pleasing in this part. She is unique among picture players in the possession of hair that in the sunshine looks like a nimbus. Her acting also seems to be very popular. The story of the picture doesn't drag at all; the photographs are good enough and, although there are one or two minor points that might be called weaknesses, we call it a good feature picture. - The Moving Picture World, April 6, 1912

On an opportunistic walk in the country, Blanche Sweet encounters a snake, and is rescued by dashing Charles West; the two are mutually attracted, and begin courting. Mr. West is Ms. Sweet's ideal. Then, trouble arrives from the city, in the form of Dorothy Bernard, Sweet's visiting sister. Introducing Ms. Bernard to a pal doesn't work; and, she sets her sights on her sister's beau. Soon, it's West and Bernard strolling in the country; and, Sweet is devastated…

Director D.W. Griffith employs the "classic love triangle" very well; with Sweet, West, and Bernard playing the roles perfectly. Of course, the characters are placed in the expected danger situation, which is suspensefully staged and directed. While this may not be the most innovative Griffith, it's definitely a crosscutting cut above your average early 1900s film.

****** The Goddess of Sagebrush Gulch (3/25/12) D.W. Griffith ~ Blanche Sweet, Dorothy Bernard, Charles West