Jim Bludso

Jim Bludso is a careful picturization by Tod Browning and Wilfred Lucas of the poem by John Hay. Careful is the word in a case where so many difficulties naturally arise, where negligence would result in loss of atmosphere and consequent destruction of illustrative value. Mr. Lucas gives one of his strong and consistent characterizations as an engineer on one of the Mississippi river packets, the charm of nearly every piece in which he appears. He is well supported by a capable cast, and the air of sincerity pervading this entire release places it high in the worthwhile class. Its chief fault is that of scattering interest by leaving the main line of interest so often for the sake of presenting other characters, a common enough fault, and recourse to such old devices as pressure brought by a villain on the father of an innocent girl. That is an almost constant interpolation of studio directors who write their own plays instead of reaching out for new and original matter. Aside from the interesting characterizations, the carefully selected settings draw attention and interest. The race between river boats; the scenes aboard them; the burning of a fine-looking river packet and the levee break are all intensely realistic. Here directorial skill is manifested at every step. With fine interpretation and treatment, there is only lacking the originality and single-action structure provided by capable authors of screen stories. The feature may be called a study of the time and place to which it refers, so fascinatingly perfect is the atmosphere of river life that it portrays. These make it entertaining enough for a place on any good program. – The Moving Picture World, February 10, 1917