Frank Powell (as Dr. Harcourt), Florence Lawrence (as Mrs. Harcourt) and little Gladys Egan (as Edith Harcourt) are the perfect country family; however, tragedy strikes their idyllic world when little Gladys becomes gravely ill. Fortunately, wealthy Harcourt is also "The Country Doctor", and can sit by his daughter's bedside as she struggles to regain her health. Unfortunately, poor mother Kate Bruce and daughter Mary Pickford need Dr. Harcourt's services as Adele DeGarde, the girl in their family, is likewise bedridden. The good doctor is torn between his little girl and his responsibility as the town's doctor.
G.W. Bitzer's Greenwich, Connecticut location footage is generous, and this film's highlight; though, you'll wish it was better preserved. The story, dealing with a doctor's responsibility, is a good one. Both Mr. Powell and Ms. Lawrence go too far over-the-top in their portrayals this time around, however. Ms. Bruce and Ms. Pickford are more restrained, but little daughters Egan and DeGarde absolutely steal the show with their deadpan bedside manners, especially little Gladys!
**** The Country Doctor (7/8/09) D.W. Griffith ~ Frank Powell, Florence Lawrence, Gladys Egan, Mary Pickford
G.W. Bitzer's Greenwich, Connecticut location footage is generous, and this film's highlight; though, you'll wish it was better preserved. The story, dealing with a doctor's responsibility, is a good one. Both Mr. Powell and Ms. Lawrence go too far over-the-top in their portrayals this time around, however. Ms. Bruce and Ms. Pickford are more restrained, but little daughters Egan and DeGarde absolutely steal the show with their deadpan bedside manners, especially little Gladys!
**** The Country Doctor (7/8/09) D.W. Griffith ~ Frank Powell, Florence Lawrence, Gladys Egan, Mary Pickford