Although this film was released as late as April 15, 1927, it doesn't look like a movie at all, but more like a photographed stage play in which, through the medium of the close-up, the audience is permitted to come close to the action and thrill to all the usual Jews-versus-Catholics clichés. Believe you me, not one of them is missed. The entire Third Act is based on a ridiculous mistake which could not possibly lie dormant in real life. Nonetheless, although both direction and script are not particularly inspired, the title writer gives it more than a good whack, and the actors put it over with such enthusiasm (and in some cases, sensitivity) that it becomes both entertaining and meaningful.
Diminutive Olive Hasbrouck turned out over 50 movies (including shorts) from 1924 to 1929. Here she delivers a really beautiful performance as the Rose of the title. Charismatic Mack Swain (odd to see him in a dramatic role, which he handles very well, although there are many "comic" moments) and Edmund Burns are the Shamrocks, while Maurice Costello and Otto Lederer do nobly by the roles of priest and rabbi respectively. Both Grapevine and Alpha have very good black-and-white prints of the 58 minutes Kodak Library 16mm cutdown on DVD.
Diminutive Olive Hasbrouck turned out over 50 movies (including shorts) from 1924 to 1929. Here she delivers a really beautiful performance as the Rose of the title. Charismatic Mack Swain (odd to see him in a dramatic role, which he handles very well, although there are many "comic" moments) and Edmund Burns are the Shamrocks, while Maurice Costello and Otto Lederer do nobly by the roles of priest and rabbi respectively. Both Grapevine and Alpha have very good black-and-white prints of the 58 minutes Kodak Library 16mm cutdown on DVD.
