I consider myself fairly astute in silent movies, but I had never heard of any of the people appearing in this movie. That's okay. That doesn't make them any less actors. But one thing I do not like in silent movies are title cards that can't be easily read. One certain title card of that type is the reason why I gave this movie, which I really did like, a lower score than I usually give movies I like. It concerns a telegram, which I'll get to later. When I read that this movie was based on a poem by Edgar Allen Poe, I thought it would be set during Poe's time. No, it is set on then modern times (as modern as 1921 could be). David loves Annabel Lee, a kind-hearted rich girl. Colonel Lee, her father, isn't so keen on David as his daughter is. David's father was lost at sea, on a ship that had lots of treasure on it. He raises the money, says good-bye to Annabel and his mother. The treasure is not soon found, though. The crew gets antsy and stages a mutiny, not only getting rid of David, but also a Chinese cook who apparently loved the music "East Side/West Side". You'll need to watch the movie to see what I mean. They are put in a lifeboat and finally find an island. Sadly, the cook dies and David is alone on the island. Stateside, Colonel Lee knows a young publisher and tries to fix him up with his daughter. For a while, it looks like his wish is going to be granted. Annabel, though, asks for a little more time. Finally, David is rescued and is reunited with his love. The telegram? Sometime after the mutiny, his mother gets a telegram, but you can't begin to read it. You never know what happens exactly the ship or the mutineers. Also, the ending is a bit abrupt. I like smooth endings. Still, even with that going against it, I find it to be quite watchable.
Review of Annabelle Lee
