This DVD is a compilation of seven of the best titles from a six volume VHS set that was issued in 1996 and 2000 by Thanhouser Company Film Preservation Inc. of Portland, Oregon which is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of films made by the Thanhouser Company of New Rochelle NY between 1910 and 1917. I had heard of Thanhouser before but I knew nothing about them and I had not seen any of their movies. The films proved to be an eye opening experience. I was suprised by the quality of the twenty six films in the six volume set. They more than hold their own against the Biographs made by D. W. Griffith and those of the Edison studio which are the primary films that survive from that time. The Thanhousers are generally better acted and have better production values than either Edison or Biograph. This DVD makes for an excellent introduction to the Thanhouser films.
The most famous offering is the 1912 DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE with James Cruze who would become one of the major directors of the 1920’s (THE COVERED WAGON, OLD IRONSIDES). However CRY OF THE CHILDREN about child labor and PETTICOAT CAMP with its feminist point of view are truly remarkable while A DOG’S LOVE can still move the most jaded of hearts. THE EVIDENCE OF THE FILM provides an intriguing glimpse into the Thanhouser studios and the practice of moviemaking at that time. ONLY IN THE WAY deals with the problems of an elderly relative and THEIR ONE LOVE has some outstanding nighttime photography. The films are transferred from archive prints from a variety of sources and have new musical accompaniment. If you’re a fan of silent movies and especially the history of them then you need to get this DVD.
The Capsule Critic 