The Little Sister (1909) User Reviews

It should encourage a greater output of pictures of similar excellent quality

[deickemeyer · 30 December 2014]

Perhaps it would be extravagant to say that "Little Sister," written by Edward W. Townsend, the famous author of "Chimmie Fadden," makes another record in the silent drama. It is scarcely a drama that Mr. Townsend has prepared. It is a transcript of real life in the great East Side of New York, the crowded tenement district, where thousands are yearly suffocated, mentally, morally and physically. The story is one of those little tales drawn from real life which grip the heart and bring the tears regardless of one's inclination or disposition. Dick, owing solely to his unfortunate environment, is gradually going from bad to worse, with the prison doors yawning to receive him, but "Little Sister" follows him like a guardian angel and is instrumental in saving him from the consequences of a burglary. Mr. St. Clair is so strongly impressed with her pleadings that he- gives them both a start, far removed from former temptations. The story is not great, unless one may accord it that distinction because of its simplicity, but one feels that it is a real story, something that has actually occurred. The various scenes, depicting the discomfort, or misery, inseparable from tenement house life in that congested district, will, or should exert a powerful influence upon those outside of New York who know nothing about such uncomfortable and dangerous environment. This picture should emphasize the benefits of living far removed from the demoralizing influence of such a mixture of race, blood and low ideals of life, or none at all. In this direction, at least, if in no other, it should exert a strongly educative influence. Technically the film is good, the various views in the East Side being so real as to appear even more than pictures. The Edison Company is to be congratulated upon producing such an excellent film. It should encourage a greater output of pictures of similar excellent quality. - The Moving Picture World, September 25, 1909