When a Man Loves

Wealthy Dell Henderson is visiting George Nichols, and is smitten with his old friend's daughter, Mary Pickford. Nichols is delighted, but Mary loves Charles West. On Henderson's next visit, he claims his car is broken, and is given Mary's bedroom.... on the night when she is to elope with West.

Mack Sennett would have his own unit at Biograph directing comedies, but his first release would not be for a couple of months. In the meantime, Griffith directed this comedy with his top troupe, and it is a funny and charming affair. Notice Mary's business with West while Nichols is lecturing her, or Henderson's slightly pompous but kind performance.

Sennett would produce variations on Father-wants-daughter-to-marry-one-man-but-she-loves-another many times, well into the sound era. In his versions, however, there would always be something obnoxious about father's choice. Griffith demonstrates that you don't have to make a villain of anyone for a sympathetic couple, or for some pleasant laughs.