Children of the Ghetto

To one who has not read the original story. "The Children of the Ghetto," by Israel Zangwill, the film version being presented by William Fox. will appeal as a strong and interesting film production. On the other hand, to one having read and absorbed the atmosphere of this truly great novel, something which it contains will be found lacking in the picture. Just what this "something" is will be hard to define, yet the vacuum left by its absence is most surely felt. "The Children of the Ghetto," as Zangwill created it, presents a great sociological and racial problem, and the reach of its philosophy is doubtless difficult of concentration into a few thousand feet of film. However, a thorough criticism, or any kind of satisfactory discussion of the subject is impossible in so short a space. Wilton Lackaye, in the role of Rab. Shemuel, leaves nothing to be desired. Ethel Kaufman, as Esther Ansell, is perhaps the most satisfying of the feminine characters; her interpretation of the role is sympathetic. Others of the cast who have done good work are Ruby Hoffman, David Bruce, Wm. R. Hatch and Irene Coyle. The picture has been directed by Frank Powell and the story picturized by Edward Jose. - The Moving Picture World, February 27, 1915