The first release of any producer is always awaited with much interest. It may be interesting to know that from a business standpoint this release has been one of the marked successes of the year. Long before the release the exchanges were receiving premiums for booking it and any manager who booked it early, could have sold out at a good profit any time previous to the release. Moreover, these premium bookings extend some time into the future. Undoubtedly this interest is justified. The picture is all the producers claimed it would be before it was released. It is one of the best historical pictures ever put on the screen, and while it may not be based upon an actual occurrence, it is something which might have happened, and, therefore, does not transcend the probabilities. That a girl should voluntarily offer her life in the manner shown to save that of Washington, gives the picture a strong dramatic and romantic interest, and the acting is quite up to the standard required to maintain the unities. Staging has been attended to with great care and costuming, and settings are historically accurate. It would be difficult to offer suggestions for improvement. The release previous to Washington's Birthday, but during the season while the thoughts of a large number of people are turned toward him, adds interest to the film and assists in making it of more than ordinary importance. The photography is clear most of the length of the film, only here and there a weak spot is noted, and possibly that is due to an uneven current. As a whole, the picture is satisfactory. It tells a dramatic story clearly, its setting is historically accurate, and the actors have become imbued with the spirit which is plainly manifested in the film. Managers have evidently made no mistake in bidding up the price. They will find it a superior attraction. - The Moving Picture World, March 4, 1911
