This short drama is quite melodramatic, but interesting. It is basically an illustration of the needs of the mentally ill, and in its time was probably quite close to the truth in its depictions. Most of the acting is pretty good, and you can also see the touches Griffith used to make it more effective. While he was still working within the limitations of a fixed camera field for each scene, there are a couple closer-in shots in this one at carefully chosen times. He also expertly uses things like a cat and a piano to create the impressions that he wants the viewer to have. While the material may not be as topical now as it was a long time ago, it's still of interest to see these cinematic techniques.
Review of The House of Darkness
