The Old Actor, is a pleasant story, with a simple plot. An older actor who lives with his wife and daughter, is dismissed from his part at rehearsal, because the director has decided he is to old. Ashamed and desperate, he cannot tell his family ,but he must make a living, so he disguises himself as a beggar. Finally he is caught by his daughter and her beau. Here we are treated with the simplicity and charm of Mary Pickford's performance. With the elimination of exaggerated, corny gestures, she easily conveys first, a look of shock, to disappointment, to pity, to forgiveness, to humour, and finally laughter, as she playfully tugs her father's fake disguise moustache. Her persistent arguments with Griffith about the importance of naturalness, always works in her favour. With all the typical elements of a D W Griffith film, The Old Actor is worth having a look.
Review of The Old Actor
