In "Great Expectations," we have an interesting and well-staged subject. The script has been based upon the well-known novel by Charles Dickens. Many liberties have been taken with the story, but the essence of this old tale has been preserved. We have Pip, the boy to whom fell such wonderful adventures as a result of his forced aid to a starving escaped convict; we have Magwitch, the prisoner who made good in Australia and showered his riches on the child who had been to him a friend in need; and there are Miss Havisham, the strange woman who when the bridegroom failed to appear closed her house and until her death wore no garb but her wedding gown; and Joe Gargery, the blacksmith, and Mrs. Joe and Mr. Jaggers. And there is Estella, the adopted child of Miss Havisham, reared in the hope that she would break all men's hearts. In revenge for the suffering of her protector. Jack Pickford is Pip, a good interpretation of the lad who from the abuse of his sister, Mrs. Joe, and his 'prenticeship to Joe was so mysteriously lifted into the "gentleman" class. Frank Losee gives a fine portrayal of the convict. Louise Huff is Estella, shown as in love with Pip from the beginning, and does not tease and ridicule him as Dickens pictured her. W.W. Black is Joe and Marcia Harris is Mrs. Joe. The limitations of five reels do not permit the bringing out of the nobility of character of the blacksmith. We do get a good idea, however, of the shrewlike qualities of Mrs. Joe. Grace Barton is Miss Havisham and Herbert Prior is Mr. Jaggers. It is a good cast. Director Robert Vignola shows some notable settings. One of these is of the London street in which are situated the quarters of Pip. Another is the background where Magwitch takes boat to escape the soldiers. There is suspense following the return of Magwitch. – The Moving Picture World, January 20, 1917
