My colleagues at Bowling Green State University recently screened Lillian's Scottish costumer Annie Laurie for me.
Because Lillian Gish's image was not in vogue with the late 1920s, MGM humiliated her, as it did John Gilbert with similar poor material, by giving her Annie Laurie, called "soggy haggis" by one critic.
It's true this tale of clan warfare - in which a governor's daughter has to choose between a Campbell and a MacDonald - is rather tritely handled. Yet Gish is as radiant as ever, there is some splendid camerawork, and the recently restored two-tone Technicolor scenes are lovely. The picture was a failure, however, and Gish's career declined.
It's true this tale of clan warfare - in which a governor's daughter has to choose between a Campbell and a MacDonald - is rather tritely handled. Yet Gish is as radiant as ever, there is some splendid camerawork, and the recently restored two-tone Technicolor scenes are lovely. The picture was a failure, however, and Gish's career declined.
Cast: Annie Laurie, Lillian Gish, Ian MacDonald, Norman Kerry, Donald, Creighton Hale, Alastair, Joseph Striker, The MacDonald Chieftain, Hobart Bosworth, Enid, Patricia Avery, Sandy, Russell Simpson, The Campbell Chieftain, Brandon Hurst. Director: John S. Robertson. An MGM production.
Battle scenes are impressive with large cast and very authentic Scottish sets.
Most memorable title card. An old Scottsman says to Lillian "Wildmen have a way with women."
"Hands off your dirks!" No further comment on that. (I believe dirk is a knife or sword.)
"My bunnies" in erference to a troop of men.
Miss Gish's costumes are beautiful especially in the scene where she is holding out her cape on the banks of a brook and a Scottsman carriees her across the brook.
Memorable title card: "Don't stand there glamoozin'" Is glamoozin' a word?
Scottish dialogue includes: "like a strong wind across the moor," "love's a brave fine thing and a real woman is not ashamed of it."
Memorable title card: "It is never a mistake to offer hospitality to a friend."
Miss Gih's close ups are very nice.
When I saw Annie Lauire being shot and tumbling down a rugged mountain side, I thought it was another death scene for Lillian. She walks away from it! She goes running in the snow. Shades of Way Down East.
The chase scene has some impressive camera work. The scene where Lillian runs a sword gauntlet is also impressive. Some strenuous excercise for Miss Gish.
The final scene with Lillian and leadning man Kerry rowing off in a small boat is in early colour and it is very nice to see a young Lillian in colour..
James Patterson
Adviser, Dorothy and Lillian Gish Theater
Co-chair Development
415 516 3493
JamesPatterson705@gmail.com
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