The Courting of Mary (1911) User Reviews

Of course, the personality of Mary Pickford dominates the play

[deickemeyer · 19 May 2016]

Naturally there has been much speculation regarding the quality and character of the product to be released by the several new picture- production companies that have recently been organized. The returns are now coming in and they are complimentary to the new producers. It was the privilege of the Moving Picture World representative to view the first film of the Majestic Motion Picture Company entitled "The Courting of Mary," which is scheduled tor release through the Motion Picture Distributing and Sales Company on November 26, and we now desire to record the safe and sane verdict that a clean hit has been scored. Independent exhibitors will take new hope when they get this picture, for it means that their program will be materially strengthened thereby. This picture belongs to high-class comedy. It is a simple subject, depending entirely upon the personality of the players and they have made the best of their opportunities. Of course, the personality of Mary Pickford dominates the play and quite naturally, for is not "Little Mary" one of the most delightful little photoplayers in the business and, also, this being the first of the Majestic pictures, it is quite natural that the best attraction should be featured. So it is that "Little Mary" trips and scintillates in her most charming manner throughout and throughall a full thousand feet of film, leaving only a regret at the finish that there might not have been more of it. Mary's part in this picture is that of a "tomboy" summer-girl, with a score of lovers at her heels. She succeeds in dodging them, but only by burying herself in the woods. This is where Owen Moore gets on the job. He is a "woman hater" and has had his own time getting away from an amorous young woman who insists upon fainting on his shoulder at the slightest provocation. He, too, hunts the solitude of the tall timber where he discovers Mary. They quarrel, and get interested in each other. Mary's Uncle Bill, who has taken a slight interest in the proceedings, because of his greater interest in another girl, helps matters along by forbidding Mary to have anything to do with Owen. Naturally, a willful girl does the very thing she is told not to do and there is an elopement and a wedding, so Mary and Owen are happy ever afterward. In telling this little story the Majestic producer has injected many a delightful bit of comedy and has set his players into the most beautiful of Nature's nooks and corners. At no time does the action lag; something doing every moment. The supporting company is excellent; the boys are boys and there are several very beautiful girls. Uncle Bill, who plays no small part in the picture, is impersonated by W. H. Brown, a well-known light opera and musical comedy star. Photographically the Majestic people have proved that they understand their business. The pictures are clear, sharp and steady and some beautiful effects have been obtained. In this respect the first of the Majestic product will rank along with the best of any make, without exception. If the Majestic's manufacturing department is able to keep up to the high standard there are some others who will have to change their present methods. To conclude: Manager Cochrane is to be congratulated upon the successful entry of his company in the picture market. He has made good all his promises so far; now let him keep it up and the fortunes of the Majestic Company are secure. - The Moving Picture World, November 25, 1911