The Sunset Gun (1912) Online

Mr. Bannister Merwin, the writer of this picture, scores in it another emphatic success. It is a stirring, human and deeply truthful picture of an old soldier's last Memorial Day. There are village scenes, a parade of veterans to the cemetery, and the old soldier's dream memories of the war. He dreams of morning roll call, of battles, of the sunset gun and of taps blown over the sleeping soldiers in bivouac on the field of battle. It is grandly done, and very emotional. The people applauded warmly. Let us impress upon exhibitors that such a picture as this, it is in truth a masterpiece, deserves some special preparation. It will repay it. It needs good martial music, drums, fifes and bugle notes, at the very least. Don't miss such a chance of making an impression. This picture plus good music will be worthwhile. Mr. Mark McDermott plays the old soldier, we almost said is the old soldier, so worthily does he set him forth. He will win a host of good friends by this picture. As it is, as a player, he stands second to none in the estimation of people who appreciate art and imagination. He has won his reputation outside of romantic roles and on account of ability alone. The picture is so good and true that although a large crowd of onlookers watched it in making, all of them seem to have a natural place in it. They were feeling what it stood for. The actors had lost themselves in it and, strange to say, the uninvited but welcome watchers also had. It is excellent on every count. Miss Miriam Nesbitt is the soldier's daughter; Yale Boss is his grandson. Among the G.A.R. men are Charles Ogle, Robert Brower, Wm. Wadsworth, Harry Linton, Wm. West, Guy Hedlund and Edw. Boulden. Following the G.A.R. men march a group of school children, in white with flowers and little flags. Then come the citizens. It is a photoplay of real life. - The Moving Picture World, June 8, 1912