Though the first reel no longer exists, what remains of this early film version of Shakespeare's romantic tragedy is interesting and beautifully produced. The sets are lavish and the costumes are gorgeous to look at.
The acting is very much of the 19th century acting school, common in early silent film, until a more naturalistic style took over in the middle of the 1910s. Out of everyone in the cast, Julia M. Taylor makes the biggest impression as Juliet Capulet. She does indulge in some overacting (especially during the scene where she takes the drug which will put her into a temporary coma, where she stumbles about waving her arms), but she possesses a girlish loveliness which suits her to the role.
Early cinema fans will find a lot to appreciate here.
The acting is very much of the 19th century acting school, common in early silent film, until a more naturalistic style took over in the middle of the 1910s. Out of everyone in the cast, Julia M. Taylor makes the biggest impression as Juliet Capulet. She does indulge in some overacting (especially during the scene where she takes the drug which will put her into a temporary coma, where she stumbles about waving her arms), but she possesses a girlish loveliness which suits her to the role.
Early cinema fans will find a lot to appreciate here.