You may have to calibrate expectations to just how early a film this is, as it shows signs of wear, some cheesy acting (Eek! A mouse! Oh no! A ghost!), and only 41 minutes of it have survived. On the other hand, pioneering director Alice Guy-Blaché tells a complete story and captures some endearing shots. The casting of 19-year-old Doris Kenyon was wise; she has such a wonderful, almost modern screen presence and a big, natural smile. The fragmented scene with her milking a cow really shows this off. She's also engaging when she dusts off an old mirror to peer into her reflection, and when she's out in a field gathering flowers with the leading man (Carlyle Blackwell). The film is not all lightness though, and there are cringe-worthy moments with her abusive foster father (William Morris), who tries to rape her. It's too bad the entire print doesn't survive, but what does is easily worth the quick watch.
Review of The Ocean Waif
