The Price She Paid (1917) Clara Kimball Young Film Corp. Distributor: Lewis J. Selznick Enterprises; Selznick Pictures. Director: Charles Giblyn. Assistant director: Henri Menessier. Scenario: Charles Giblyn. Camera: Hal Young. Gowns: Lucile (Lady Duff Gordon). Cast: Clara Kimball Young, Louise Beaudet, Cecil Fletcher, Charles Bowser, Snitz Edwards, Alan Hale, David Powell, Cesare Gravina.7 reels. This film is apparently LOST
| Unidentifed clipping with Clara and Alan Hale |  |
| Mildred Gower | Clara Kimball Young |
| Mrs. Gower | Louise Beaudet |
| Frank Gower | Cecil Fletcher |
| Presbury | Charles Bowser |
| General Siddall | Snitz Edwards |
| Stanley Baird | Alan Hale |
| Donald Keith | David Powell |
Lewis J. Selznick has undoubtedly put over another successful special photoplay feature in "The Price She Paid," adapted and directed by Charles Giblin, with Albert Capellani announced as "Director-General," whatever that may mean. It follows closely the story of that name by David Graham Phillips and consumes seven reels. It is, in fact, one of the best screen adaptations of a well known novel ever presented for public approval, and is a fine example of the telling of a straightaway tale without constantly resorting to flashbacks or an over-abundance of titles. The principal role is admirably suited to the talents of Clara Kimball Young, she being an ideal type for the "heroine" of the Phillips tale, if she is indeed the heroine. The general casting of the various parts is very good, the one exception being Snitz Edwards for the role of "General Siddall,' whose characterization bordered on burlesque. The sinister "general" in the original tale was very dignified individual in spite of his small stature, not one given to strutting in an exaggerated manner that will excite risibility when shown in a picture house. The locations, photography and direction are of the very best, and the prediction is her hazarded that "The Price She Paid" will rank with the most successful of the Selznick releases.
"The Price She Paid"
Clara Kimball Young in Selznick Production of Seven-reel Photoplay Made from the Novel by David Graham Philips--Screen version Finely Mounted, but Lacks Action.
Reviewed by Edward Weitzel.
It is extremely doubtful that when David Graham Philips wrote "The Price She Paid," a seven-reel version of which has been produced by Louis J. Selznick with Clara Kimball Young as the heroine, the novelist had any thought of its being turned into a moving picture. Mr. Philips was not a dramatist, and cared a great deal more for character development than for dramatic situations. The merely theatric did not appeal to him at all. His plots were always strong in motive, but told in such fashion that there was always ample time for the moral lesson to penetrate the dullest brain. "The Price She Paid" is a striking example of this fact. Although the experiences of Mildred Gower before she finds happiness with Donald Keith involve her with two other men, one of whom she marries and deserts, the incidents in the formative period of her life have little dramatic worth, a the term is understood by the playwright. Complications are not lacking; but a determination on the part of all concerned not "to make scenes" when they can possibly be avoided, prevents those outbursts of feeling that are so entertaining to the onlooker. Whatever may be said in favor of self-control in real life, it is not the thing that brings people to the playhouse; like the man at the prize fight, they want plenty of action and at least one "Knockout."
[Photo omitted--Young with hand to cheek looking horrified at Alan Hale]
In its present form, "The Price She Paid" is excellent narrative fiction--not screen drama. As a production it takes high rank. The settings could hardly be improved upon, and the acting of Clara Kimball Young and her supporting company is quite as commendable. As Mildred Gower the star fits the character in every way, and displays numberless triumphs of the newest fashion in gowns. Louise Beaudet, Cecil Fletcher, Charles Bowser, Snitz Edwards, Alan Hale and David Powell have congenial roles and play them with their customary finished method. Charles Giblyn was the director
SELZNICK PICTURES
THE PRICE SHE PAID. (February). The cast: Mildred Gower (Clara Kimball Young); Mrs. Gower (Louise Beaudet); Frank Gower (Cecil Fletcher); Presbury (Charles Bowser); General Siddall (Snitz Edwards); Stanley Baird (Alan Hale); Donald Keith (David Powell).
At the death of John Gower, his widow and daughter, Mildred, find themselves with only a few thousand dollars, as the family lived almost up to the limit of Gower's income. Mildred's mother tells her it is necessary that she marry money. Mildred is fond of Stanley Baird, but her hopes in this direction are shattered by the announcement of his engagement to another woman. Mrs. Gower marries Presbury, an elderly man who thinks she is wealthy, and when he learns the truth he begins taunting Mildred until she is willing to do anything to escape from her humiliating position.
Presbury arranges a marriage between Mildred and a multimillionaire, General Siddal. The bride soon discovers that while her husband will buy anything for her she wants, so that he can make an impression upon the world with her beauty, he will not give her any money. This forces her to realize that she is hardly more than a piece of furniture in the General's establishment. She leaves him, and meeting Baird learns that he and his wife have separated. He undertakes to furnish her with funds for the cultivation of her voice for an operatic career, with the hope that one day they will be free to marry.
Mildred makes slow progress. Her voice is good but uncertain. She meets a young lawyer, Donald Keith, who tells her she will never succeed because she is too fond of luxury and ease.
Meanwhile she discovers through Keith's investigation that she was not legally married to General Siddall, as his first wife was still living confined in an insane asylum. The General has made many attempts to get her to come back to him, but she refuses. Finally she declines to take any more money from Baird, and by economy, self denial, and hard work succeeds in her musical ambition. Having achieved her independence she is now free to choose between Stanley Baird and Donald Keith, to both of whom she owes a debt of gratitude. Her choice is a happy one, and leaves the story of this typical American girl perfectly rounded out.
Last revised October 13, 2005