A Convict's Sacrifice (1909) User Reviews

A lesson that is admired and recognized by everyone

[deickemeyer · 2 December 2014]

A soul-stirring drama from the Biograph studio, which is made even more touching by excellent acting and good staging. Like other recent dramas from this company's headquarters, this is certain to appeal to a large number of those who see it because it is so good, and because it teaches a lesson that is admired and recognized by everyone, regardless of his condition or circumstances. To be made to understand that a man is a man, whether clad in the stripes of a convict or in a dress suit, is something worth while, and in this picture the Biograph people have emphasized this point very forcibly. It is one of those heart stories which appeals because it stirs the best that is in one, because it makes one feel that after all it is well worth the struggle required to do something which benefits another. And when this lesson is taught by a convict it becomes all the more impressive and convincing. The acting is above the average, and the climaxes are wrought out with a nicety of interpretation which makes them especially impressive and causes one to almost feel that this is no picture drama but real action which is taking place while the spectators look on from a distance, unable to assist, but only to see what can be done under some circumstances. And when the sacrifice is complete, when the convict, at the supreme moment, when he has done all for the man who befriended him that can be done, falls a victim to the gun of the vengeful guard, one feels that it is better that his life should end thus than that he should be again robed in stripes and forced to perform the hard, daily task of the convict. The testimony of his manhood is too convincing to make one want to see him incarcerated again. Death is far better. His spirit, at least, is free. - The Moving Picture World, July 31, 1909