User Reviews

A featurette in one reel is "For Reward of Service," one bound to awaken wide interest. The story has a heart grip and a directness of appeal that will absorb the whole attention of the spectator. It has also a sardonic humor in places, where laughter and pathos struggle for mastery. It will be released on the General Film program. Chris Allison (George Fawcett) has held his position as bookkeeper for forty-one years. With the exception of the chief clerk the other members of the office force look upon him as a grouch. On the day before Christmas these hearty young fellows present Allison with "phoney" Christmas presents, and the first smile that has been seen on his face for years appears. As the old man goes home with his "presents," the chief clerk tells the boys a secret about Allison's life, after soundly berating them on their heartlessness. When he leaves the office they club together and raise funds for real presents for Allison and his wife. Luckily the "phoneys" had not yet been opened, as the boys had enjoined Allison not to open the packages until Christmas morning. The happy ending of it all is best told in the pictures. George Fawcett's Allison is a real type of man, one who has suffered so much from the hand of Fate that his heart and feelings are almost totally atrophied, if I may use the word in this connection. The characterization stands out with cameo distinctness. Mrs. Evelyn, as Mrs. Allison, softens the harshness of the husband's attitude and manners by a sweet, motherly womanliness. Al Green merits praise for the direction of the photoplaylet. – The Moving Picture World, February 10, 1917