Samson

Because the 21 year old Harold Lloyd's background was in the theatre, he was naturally snapped up for dramas rather than comedy. In this film, he demonstrates that he is a good actor that can do comedy, rather than being a comedian.

This is a big six-reel production; but we can not say that it adequately fulfills its mission as such when compared with others in the same class with which it must compete. It is not without graces. It would be hard to find a finer Samson than is Warren Kerrigan, who is more than the average in size, is perfect physically and is youthful and graceful. It is plain that the picture's producer has studied Dore, the great French artist, famous for his Biblical engravings, and has profited much by it. There are excellent artistic scenes all through the offering, such as the invasion of Judea by the Philistines, the temple of Dagon, and many of mob scenes. But the action lacks dramatic quality and interest, for the scenario is spineless. Spectators who are not readers of the Bible will hardly be able to comprehend the full significance of the picture. There was some discussion behind this reviewer as to the meaning of those words on the sub-titles: "Judges 14:12." One of the things that is very pleasing in the picture is the lavish display of men with spears and armor, and of women dressed in silk robes of gracefold folds. The interior scenes and backgrounds are for the most part commendable. Manoah's house is spacious and full of the Orient, while the temple scenes, including the idol of the god, are delightfully like the Dore picture temples. One wishes that with all these good qualities the scenario could have provided real life to the story, the more because it is one of the most dramatic that we have. - The Moving Picture World, April 4, 1914