Sundered Ties (1912) Online

This drama of the war between the states contains a battle which is so utterly convincing and so carefully worked out in its details that the film ranks very high among exceptionally good productions. From the first view of the field of action to the final one in the field hospital the picture unfolds a succession of gripping scenes and dramatic incidents. On such background is depicted the struggle of a young Union officer whose convictions have kept him in the Northern army against natural family ties, which would bind him to the Southern cause. At the outbreak of war his sweetheart turns him away, his father joins the Confederate army and later his brother, a small boy, is killed during the battle, which occurs near his home. No legitimate opportunity is lost to show the constant clash between the hero's sense of duty and love of his people. The story moves logically and easily, it is nowhere marred or strained by irrelevant accidents, and the acting is evenly balanced throughout. Comic relief is introduced through an old, black butler and the inevitable "mammy," and they handle their parts particularly well at the closing scenes, which show the happy reunion of the sundered family. There is no other answer to the whole production than one of sincere praise. - The Moving Picture World, September 28, 1912