The Engagement Ring (1912) User Reviews

Cute Little Biograph Company Film With Mabel Normand

[jayraskin1 · 6/10 · 17 October 2012]

Two rivals, Dell Henderson and Edward Dillon buy an engagement ring for Mabel Normand. One rival is rich and the other poor. Mabel loves the poor guy. Somehow the rich guy gets the ring company where the poor guy bought the ring to repossess it. They literally send someone to take it off of poor Mabel's finger. Will Mabel now go with the rich guy when he shows up with his ring or will she be loyal to the man she loves? This was an early work by Mack Sennett. The camera-work is good with some interesting setups and the editing flows very nicely. For those expecting the chases of his later work, there is a chase here, but it only lasts for three seconds.

For cinephiles, I would definitely recommend it.

Mabel is some hot tamale, as two men pursue her with vigor

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 15 February 2019]

For 1912, this is a pretty good movie. However, despite being directed by the slapsticky director, Mack Sennett AND starring Mabel Normand, it didn't seem funny in the least.

Mabel is apparently a very hot item, as two men want to marry her....some poor guy and a rich one. The poor one asks her first and buys an engagement ring on account. However, he has trouble making payments and soon the rich guy works with the guy from the finance company to get back that ring. Will Mabel end up with the rich jerk or will the poor guy miraculously get the money to pay for the ring?

This story is well told for the era...but if you are looking for laughs, look elsewhere!

The Engagement Ring review

[JoeytheBrit · 4/10 · 2 July 2020]

When wealthy Dell Henderson realises that poor Edward Dillon has won the hand of the woman he desires (Mabel Normand) he persuades the jeweller from whom Dillon purchased his engagement ring to repossess it the moment Dillon falls behind on the payments. What a cad. Not really a comedy, and hardly compelling as a drama.

If you are looking for laughs I suggest go elsewhere.

[youngsteve · 20 December 2019]

For some reason this is listed as a comedy, which is probably to do with the actress & director, but it isn't, & expect this is why scores are low on here. The plot is a basic one where two suiters go after a girl, one rich & one poor, & you probably have an idea which one the girl goes for. The rich guy is a not nice & goes out of his way to get his rival ridiculed & out of the way.

Picture quality has also faded in parts. The acting is adequate for the era, with many of D W Griffiths troupe involved. Probably the only real reason to view it is for Mabel Normand, who though early in her career here, is on the brink of stardom. One to watch if only to see early Mabel & like viewing old films