Chicago Tribune – Tuesday, April 7, 1925 – Page 25
Sisters Gish Make This One Night Perfect
“Romola” Fine Picture in Every Possible Way
Produced by Inspiration Pictures
Directed by Henry King
Presented at the Roosevelt theater
The Cast:
- Romola ………………………….. Lillian Gish
- Tessa …………………..……… Dorothy Gish
- Tito Melema ………… William H. Powell
- Carlo Bucellini ………..… Ronald Colman
- Baldassarre Calvo …………. Charles Lane
- Savonarola …………. Herbert Grimwood
- Bardo Bardi ………. Bonaventura Ibanez
- Adolfo Spini …………….……. Frank Puglia
By Mae Tinee
Good Morning! Romola – George Eliot’s “Romola” is revealing her dramatic story at the Roosevelt through the gentle characterization of Miss Lillian Gish.
This production, sponsored by Mr. Duell before his famous scrap with the fair star, is a truly artistic offering. It’s authentic as to sets and scenery, having been photographed in and around Florence, Italy, where the scenes of the story were laid. It is richly costumed and vividly acted and there is about the intangible atmosphere of romance, intrigue and bloodshed that hung heavy over Florence in the fifteenth century at the time when people drove the decadent Medici from power and established their own government.
Romola was the daughter of a rich, gentle and blind philosopher and writer. Completely devoted to her father and his works, life had flowed along peacefully enough in the house of Bardi until the mysterious stranger, Tito Melema, slid in to win the favor with the parent nad marry the daughter. Happily, the father died before he realized the treachery with which the Greek encompassed the household. But Romola lived on to go through horrible experiences, both politic and private.
Miss Gish gives a delicate and charming portrayal of Romola – more saint than human.
William H. Powell as Tito, acts a smooth and crafty villain to this department’s taste.
Dorothy Gish, as a simple country maid, also betrayed by the dexterous Tito, gives one of her funny, pathetic, adorable characterizations. Ronald Colman suits well the role of the noble and picturesque artist, Carlo, who truly loves Romola and whose devotion, you are led to believe is rewarded in the end.
Considerable footage is given to the activities of Savonarola, the advocate of freedom, whose heated speeches in the public squares incite the mobs to action – action that is at last turned toward the destruction of himself. Herbert Grimwood makes a gaunt, tense, fevered evangelist.
As to that – all the parts are well played. The photography is fine and the director handled his subject matter intelligently.
If you liked the book, chances are you’ll be fond of the picture.
See you tomorrow!
