From a technical and artistic viewpoint, this short drama is only of fair quality. But it features the kind of heartfelt story that was so often characteristic of D.W. Griffith, at least when he was at his best. The social commentary in the story is well-aimed, and is still relevant over 90 years later, so that it's easily possible to appreciate the movie for that reason; but a more objective look reveals some ways that it could have been noticeably better.
The story shows a wealthy moneylender living in exorbitant luxury, even while he orders families to be forced out of their homes for being behind in their payments. The contrast between their sufferings and his plush lifestyle makes a definite impression, but it is carried out in a rather heavy-handed fashion, and a few years later Griffith would probably have come up with a more artful way of presenting the contrast. Too many of the key events are contrived, and this too he would have improved on later.
It's interesting that despite the obvious flaws, the movie still has a strong enough basic point to make it worth watching. When Griffith learned how to refine his technique and combine it with his strongly held views (some of which were bizarre, but others commendable), he was able to produce some memorable movies.
The story shows a wealthy moneylender living in exorbitant luxury, even while he orders families to be forced out of their homes for being behind in their payments. The contrast between their sufferings and his plush lifestyle makes a definite impression, but it is carried out in a rather heavy-handed fashion, and a few years later Griffith would probably have come up with a more artful way of presenting the contrast. Too many of the key events are contrived, and this too he would have improved on later.
It's interesting that despite the obvious flaws, the movie still has a strong enough basic point to make it worth watching. When Griffith learned how to refine his technique and combine it with his strongly held views (some of which were bizarre, but others commendable), he was able to produce some memorable movies.