Some strong performances make this film more than a soap opera, although the story has such a twist it shouldn't be considered a soap drama anyway.
However, it does deal with loss of children and how parents try to cope.
Following the basic rule of drama, that a character must change, in "The Whistle," more than one changes, and I think satisfactorily.
"The Whistle" is quite a powerful symbol here, and whistles and bells and other signals have played a large part in U.S. life until at least the 1950s, when industry started to move off shore. Here the whistle is a clue to regimented life in somewhat of a cliché, with the factory owner being heartless and unconsidering of safety.
But not so heartless he doesn't love his wife and son.
William S. Hart looks odd in city clothes, but he proves, again, he's an actor, no matter his milieu, and his powerful performance is reason enough to watch "The Whistle." There are prints at YouTube, a good one, and one at archive.org, not quite so good but completely watchable. I recommend "The Whistle," for great performances by everyone, for good directing, and the chance to see William S. Hart not on horseback.
