Should a Baby Die? (1916) Should a Baby Die? A Story that is Human - Appeals! Thrills! A Drama of Real Human Hearts -- each throb a tale of life itself -- played by a splendid cast. GAZELLE MARCHE The beautiful star remembered from "The Exploits of Elaine." J. W. JOHNSON Former American-Eclair and Lasky Star, now with Famous Players "Father -- they are in need -- help them" "This shall be the Brotherhood of Man." ARTHUR DONALDSON Well-known star of "Prince of Pilsen," who has been starred in hundreds of photoplays. CAMILLE DALBERG Who has appeared by royal command before the King of England, the Czar of Russia and the Kaiser of Germany, now with Leo Ditrichstein in "The Great Lover." "And they say it would be better that you should die" What Do You Think? In this sweetly told, human, little film you will find an answer to the question, "Should a Baby Die?" This is not an objectionably scientific detailed discussion, however; it is a wonderfully interesting story of every day life played by an exceptional cast who manage to hold your sympathy to a perfect balance. You will surely enjoy this. The Critics said: -- WID GUNNING - Wid's Films and Film Folk. A very pleasing human story nicely developed along legitimate lines. Surely "worth while." Will give satisfaction to any audience when they see it. M. P. NEWS. In direction, the production is above the average. A competent cast interprets the story. M. P. WORLD Story told in an interesting manner -- a keen appreciation of dramatic values shown. BILLBOARD. Well written, splendidly produced story of heart interest. MOTOGRAPHY Staged commendably -- appeal is not restricted -- synopsis gives little idea of how interesting it really is. N. Y. TELEGRAPH. Contains a wealth of heart interest -- has the appeal that will carry it to success. VARIETY. "Should a Baby Die" is a good state right proposition. "Should a Baby Die?" Arthur Donaldson in Five-Reel Hanover Offering Reviewed by Thomas C. Kennedy THE Hanover Film Company presents "Should a Baby Die?" a romance written by Charles K. Harris, the song-writer and author of several photoplays. Arthur Donaldson, who has appeared in many notable screen plays, is starred in a Jewish character role which he enacts convincingly and with intelligence. The manner in which the producers hav staged the picture is commendable. The settings are remarkabley good and the photograpy satisfactory. As suggested by the title this picture touches upon a question which has recently created quite a stir, but the touch is a light one. In explaining that Lydia is only his adopted daughter, Jacob Cohen relates how he took her into his home when she was a baby, whom, the doctors maintained, would be a cripple if she lived. Lydia is not a pretty girl of nineteen. After Jacob's story the spectator is contronted with the integgogatory title, and the answer comes quickly and naturally in the negative. The main part of the story is the romance of a wealthy chap who is working his way to a responsible position in a machine shop and the daughter of a Jewish pawn broker. Jacob wecomes young Burton upon his first few visits to Lydia. Then later he becomes alarmed when they become noticeably fond of each other. He strenuously objects to their engagement because Burton is a Gentile, but this objection he overcomes because Lydia's happiness is at stake. Through the jealousy of a girl who desires to marry Burton, Jacob learns that he is the son of a senator, and wealthy. Then, of course, he suspects Burton's real motives and commands Lydia to break the engagement. Burton persuades his parents to help him, but when they learn that Lydia is a Jewish pawn broker's daughter it is their turn to object. For the sake of Lydia and Burton, Jacob then proves that she is not his daughter. It turns out that she is the grandchild of some wealthy friends of the Burton's, which means that the end finds all happy bu the jealous girl. The synopsis gives little idea of how interesting "Should a Baby Die?" really is. Its appeal is not restricted but the picture will find its most enthusiastic audiences in the less pretentious houses. The many human touches and the pretty sentiment as expressed in the character of Jacob which result in continued interest make this a picture that will please. Supporting Mr. Donaldson, whose characterization is remarkabley impressive are Gazelle Marche, J. W. Johnston, Sonia Marcelle, Florence Hackett and Camille Dalbert. There are all players of ability and they prove adequate in every detail. -- Motography, February 12, 1916, 375-376 with Arthur Donaldson and Gazelle Marche. Directed by Perry N. Vekroff. Charles Harris/Hanover. More Information on this film...                                      This work (Should a Baby Die? (1916), by Charles Harris/Hanover), identified by Bruce Calvert, is free of known copyright restrictions. Books (none) Last Modified November 11, 2024