The Winchester Woman (1919) Vitagraph Co. of America. Distributor: Vitagraph Co. of America. Director: Wesley Ruggles. Scenario: Arthur Edwin Krows. Camera: Joe Shelderfer. Cast: Alice Joyce, Percy Marmont, Robert Middlemass, Jean Armour, Lucy Fox, Joe Burke. 5-6 reels. This film appears to be LOST
| A lobby card from the film, thanks to Derek Boothroyd for this scan Click on the thumbnail for a larger view |  |
This is a Vitagraph feature, in which Alice Joyce is starred. It is a picture of unusual interest, inasmuch as it is different to the general run of five-reelers.
Seldom has Miss Joyce been seen in a part more suitable, and the young star makes the most of her many emotional scenes. Although she does not appear to force herself to the front, and there are a few close-ups, yet one is always forcibly reminded she is the heroine.
Having just been acquitted for the murder of her husband, Mrs.Wharton (Miss Joyce) tries to find seclusion in an out-of-the-way country village, but her secret soon leaks out and becomes the gossip of the community. Then in her efforts to save the daughter of the family with whom she is boarding from an unscrupulous villain, she is further compromised. But the man she loves sticks to her through all her troubles, and the story has a happy ending.
There is lots of human interest in the yarn. It has a punch and will please almost any audience.
Vitagraph, Alice Joyce, Directed by Charles Ruggles, Scenario by Arthur Edwin Krows
WIRE REPORT--CANADA
| Box Office Value | Good |
Exhibitor Comments: "Good story." "Original plot." "Joyce liked."
NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW REPORT
| Entertainment Value | Good |
| Dramatic Interest of Story | Excellent |
| Technical Handling | Good |
| Coherence of Narrative | Clear |
| Acting | Very Good |
| Scenic Setting | Good |
| Photography | Fine |
| Atmospheric Quality | Good |
| Quality as a picture | Above the Average |
WHAT IT IS
Anne Winchester, acquited [sic] of murder, goes to live in a widower's household as a boarder, under an assumed name. Here she becomes a friend of the widower's daughter and tries to persuade her not to marry a man whom Alice has known long ago. The daughter refuses to listen, however, and plans to elope, only to be saved Anne, who takes her place. The villain is exposed and the widower though he learns of Anne's past, marries her.
THE WINCHESTER WOMAN. (Vitagraph).-- Alice Joyce is featured in this well-directed, beautifully photographed production. No pains seem to have been spared in making the picture an artistic success. Apart from the dramatic values of the production it is rich in beautiful locations, natural and pleasing incident and characterization. Alice Joyce plays the title role with convincing ease, and is supported by a competent cast, including Percy Marmont in the leading male role. The production is based on a story by Charles Stokes Wayne and was directed by Wesley Reynolds.--MacDONALD.
Last revised May 2, 2009