Greater Wealth (1913) Online

It seemed to us that the audience was divided on this picture, some thinking it good and others not liking it so well. There is reason for both views. Its object is to create a feeling of patriotism and love for the Stars and Stripes as the flag of equal opportunity. Whether or not it is, and how much it is so depends on one's personal viewpoint and there lies the picture's weakness. It contrasts the home life of a rich man with that of a poor man. In both homes there is sickness; but the poor man's child recovers, while the rich man's dies and he besides has a drunken son to trouble him. The poor man is an employee of the rich man and is discharged to lessen expenses. In the end he attempts to murder the employer, but is persuaded to look at his wrongs in a different light. There are some very beautiful pictures, especially of the two rooms where the little girls are sick and these pleased some very much. Twice in the course of the story the flag is insulted, once by a labor agitator and once by the man with murder in his heart, and this displeased two who sat directly behind us. We didn't get much pleasure from it because it is quite plainly insincere. Lanier Bartlett, the author, has done better work ; but much credit is due Colin Campbell for the skillful way he has directed it. Thomas Santschi plays the leading role as the poor man, while Hobart Bosworth plays the rich man. Bessie Eyton, with Little "Baby" Wade, plays the poor man's wife and the mother; these two made some of the loveliest scenes in it. Those who played the laborers, Frank Clark, Edward James and others deserve credit, as does Fred Huntly as the doctor. Camille Astor makes a natural nurse and Wheeler Oakman does well as the wayward son of the rich man. - The Moving Picture World, January 18, 1913