The story is hackneyed, but the acting (except for Stone's daughter played by Elizabeth Allan) is above average, with both Barrymore and Stone turning in excellent work, as do about a dozen or so character actors, some of whom are outstanding.
But what struck me the most was the quality of the print and of the photography itself. Once I looked up Oliver T. Marsh (brother of Mae), I saw that he he went on to do many major films, and died relatively young. His work his is luminescent, and it's not just the lighting that grabs your attention. Most every shot is placed just perfectly (Clarence brown in inspired form) and the various angles and shades of lights brought as much pleasure as the acting, sometimes even more in the more clichéd and/or staid moments.
Without a doubt, this is a far above average production.
But what struck me the most was the quality of the print and of the photography itself. Once I looked up Oliver T. Marsh (brother of Mae), I saw that he he went on to do many major films, and died relatively young. His work his is luminescent, and it's not just the lighting that grabs your attention. Most every shot is placed just perfectly (Clarence brown in inspired form) and the various angles and shades of lights brought as much pleasure as the acting, sometimes even more in the more clichéd and/or staid moments.
Without a doubt, this is a far above average production.
