The College Widow

In this production neither time nor money nor skill has been spared. On the contrary, there has been a most lavish expenditure of all three. Too much praise cannot be given to the screen adaptation of this well known and popular play. The adaptation has been done in a masterly way. While not a jot of the dramatic value was lost, there is a most noticeable and enjoyable absence of padding. Much of the success in this play on the stage depended upon the creation of the proper atmosphere. It goes without saying that even with the utmost care and industry, the conventional stage was bound to fall short of anything like perfection in imparting the real atmosphere. Happily, the screen has no such limitations and the producer in this case has gone to extraordinary lengths to utilize and press home the full advantage of the screen over the stage. We plunge into the atmosphere of college life at the very opening of the feature and all through the film this atmosphere is most skillfully maintained. Genuine exteriors of real colleges have been chosen and chosen with most excellent judgment. The backgrounds of some of the scenes are full of charm and art. The battles on the gridiron are rendered with great realism, and there can never he the slightest doubt of the genuineness of the spectators and the exuberance of their enthusiasm. Not satisfied with rendering the picture perfect in this respect and thus ensuring its success, the producer has introduced a succession of very skilful scenes displaying a realism which often lifts us out of our seats. I refer to the overpowering fire scenes and the work of rescue done in connection therewith. All the thrills in this scene are bona fide and they last uncommonly long. The story of the College Widow is well known. It is a strong and human story and on the screen it is developed with commendable skill. Altogether this production is a real tribute to youth. - The Moving Picture World, April 3, 1915