Scenes in the ''wheat pit" have figured in many a novel for, as Mr. James Patten's recent exploits bear witness, they have all the elements of gambling and excitement, with their attendant gains and losses, and underlying them, the strong human interest of it all. The Essanay Company, therefore, shrewdly select a scene in the wheat pit as the climax of this ambitious film, in the course of which it comes as a great dramatic surprise. The author of the story evidently has a strong appreciation of effective situations, for he leads up to this climax quite naturally and without apparent effort. It is greatly to the credit of the Essanay Company that they tell this excellent story so clearly and vividly that the audience is enabled to follow it without effort or doubt. The acting in the piece is exceedingly good and convincing and the photography of it all that could be desired. It is certainly the most ambitious subject that the Essanay people have attempted, and we think that they have succeeded remarkably well in their work. We noticed that it was followed with breathless interest by the audience who saw it when we did. All through the acting of the old people and the bad brother was very effective, whilst the good brother was thoroughly manly and earnest. The wheat pit scene was full of excitement and movement. "The Black Sheep" is a great Essanay success. – The Moving Picture World, July 10, 1909
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