User Reviews

Gilson Willets performed wonders on the script of Swan's melodrama to reduce it to working shape for Director Al Green, who, in turn, has succeeded in giving us a well-connected and interesting story for the screen. And William N. Selig, president of the Selig Polyscope Co., has given us real southern scenes in Mississippi, the locale of the story, where the producing company spent several weeks. He has also furnished a company of players that ably meets the requirements of the cast. Thanks to Director Green there is no need to outline the story of "The Princess of Patches." The pictures tell it throughout without a single "dark" spot. There are several places where these "dark" spots might have easily occurred, but the clear vision and the care of the director have avoided them. Everyone who sees this picture will be delighted with the acting of Violet De Biccari in the part of "Patches," when she was a little girl, bare-legged and shabbily-clothed. The scene showing her scanty attire is carried off by the well-meaning knight of the road. Waggles, will raise many a smile, with pathos close beside each of them. Vivian Reed is "Patches" "growed" up, and very charming does she appear. The scene where the designing young lady teaches her lover how to propose will stir mirth in the hearts of both old and young. The leading "heavy," Judas, is very well acted by Charles Le Moyne. I understand that this young actor is the son of that fine old actor of the same name, who, years ago, was the recognized leader in refined comedy roles, and who made such a hit in "The Charity Ball." I wish for the son the great popularity of his father. Frank Weed's Waggles, a somewhat different tramp, is a fine characterization. As Jack Merry, the "prince," Bruce Wilbur will demand his share of attention, and the Colonel Silverthorne of Hildor Hoberg should win favor as a well- drawn Southern gentleman. – The Moving Picture World, January 27, 1917