Retrieving the Past (1915)
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Stacia Napierkowska | Guido Graziosi | Ugo Falena (Director)
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Original title: Il ritorno della mamma
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“Retrieving the Past”
Warner’s Features to release three-reel feature of unusually fine action and detail.
Reviewed by Margaret I. MacDonald.
Founded on a story that is simple in outline, but interesting withal, Retrieving the Past, released by Warner’s Features under the A. C. A. D. brand, attracts attention chiefly through the splendid manner in which it has been staged and enacted. It is not a production in which thrills predominate, but it is one which displays a wealth of legitimate dramatic action presented in the most finished style. The company of talented European players to whom the leading roles have been entrusted, have, after the manner of true artists, allowed themselves to become absorbed in the individualities of the characters of the play, to the extent of adding to the production a vivid realism.
Neither has the director of the picture forgotten what is expected of him, for in the detail of the play is evident a thorough and careful examination of the plot, and development of the character work, which latter indicates an insight into the human side of the question.
Judging from the fact that an Éclair trailer follows in the wake of the picture, the production has been staged at the Paris Éclair studios. In it an exquisite type of photography is displayed, which, coupled with effective lighting and tastefully arranged sets adds something more than a “mite” to the enjoyment of the whole.
The various situations of the play have been recorded without superfluous action or excess of emotion, and the main theme of the story has been adhered to with few complications. At one or two points only does the question of identification arise, which uncertainty is quickly cleared away by explanation in sub-title or the presentation of a new angle of the situation.
Jan. 25th is the date set for the release of the production, which promises to please the most fastidious audience.
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Scene from Retrieving the Past (Warner)
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Collection: Moving Picture World, January 1915