Plot
As described in a film magazine, "True Heart Susie" (Gish) lives with her aunt (O'Connor) and loves stupid William Jenkins (Harron). Her love is so great that she sacrifices the family cow, a pet of hers, and other farm produce so that he can go to college, but the benefaction is a secret one, and he finishes his theological studies without suspecting that she aided him. He has impressed her that she must dress as plainly as possible, and she is so attired when she goes with him for a " sody" on his triumphant return from college, but his eyes wander to girls giving a more attractive expression of themselves. After he becomes a minister, he cruelly consults Susie about the policy of taking a wife, and almost breaks her heart when he weds gay Bettina "Betty" Hopkins (Seymour), expecting his bride to adopt herself to his colorless life. The young wife fails to satisfy her husband with her cooking, with William finding the dishes Susie makes more to his taste. He begins to regret his marriage, and so does his wife, who escapes the monotony of her marriage by attending a dance at a neighboring house. After she loses her key and gets caught in the rain on the way home, Betty appeals to Susie, who shields her from the consequences as far as the minister is concerned. However, Betty's fright and her soaking bring on a fatal sickness, and it is after her death that her husband learns of her escapade. Although he swears never to marry again, he finds that True Heart Susie has given the one opportunity of his life, and he returns to her with the offering of his hand in marriage.Cast
Reception and critical assessment
Film historian Paul O’Dell reports that “many commentators have noted the great charm of his picture, as well as moments of deep emotional intensity.” Critic James Travers of ''French Films.org'' applies a number of superlatives to ''True Heart Suzie'', noting its “authenticity” and “realism,” and praising Lillian Gish for her naturalistic portrayal of Suzie. Though filmed concurrently with Griffith’s '' Broken Blossoms'' (1919), ''True Heart Susie'' was released after the more highly acclaimed work which also starred Lillian Gish. As such, True Heart Suzie “is not, or has not been, more highly regarded than perhaps it should have been.”Accolades
The film is recognized bySee also
* D. W. Griffith filmography * Lillian Gish filmography * '' The House That Shadows Built'' (1931 promotional film by Paramount)References
Sources
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