The Star Spangled Banner (1917) User Reviews

These situations have a mighty emotional appeal

[deickemeyer · 15 January 2015]

Full of genuine, unadulterated patriotism is "The Star Spangled Banner," an Edison three-reel photoplay. It was made from a magazine story by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews. In adapting this story to the screen, Sumner Williams has done a piece of original work. The theme of the story is respect for the flag of one's nativity. Paul Kelly has the part of an American youth, brought up in England, who has lost all respect for the American flag. Herbert Evans is a colonel of the United States Marines. A regiment of the marines takes part in the picture. The story is set at the Marine barracks. Fred Gleason is an old sergeant of the marines, whom the American boy insults. The retreat ceremony, the lowering of the flag, at the marine barracks is pictured in a very impressive manner. As the young American stands there with his hat on while everyone else is uncovered, the audience cannot help convicting him of the grossest disrespect. The raising of the flag at the end of the picture, when the American salutes it as everyone else does, is another inspiring scene. These situations have a mighty emotional appeal. Here are no bloody battle scenes; no Fourth of July claptrap; no titles prating of the stars and stripes. The story takes place in time of peace. The present enemies of the United States are not mentioned. No intelligent alien would feel the least discomfort upon viewing this picture. Everyone knows how audiences are stirred by photographs of men of national prominence. In this picture the photographs of Grant, Stonewall Jackson, Lee and Farragut are skillfully interwoven in a way that is bound to stir enthusiasm. This is an excellent play for everyone, but especially for children of all ages. – The Moving Picture World, June 30, 1917