Her Soul's Inspiration (1917)

The name of Harris Anson's story on which this production is based is "Mary, Keep Tour Feet Still," and in the interpretation of the character of Mary, a winsome little girl of sunny disposition and a desire to be the first dancer of the land, Ella Hall has done admirable work. On the other hand, the story which has acceptable screen possibilities might have been made more of in a dramatic way. There is at times an impression that it is not being worked to capacity. At the same time the interest is maintained throughout, and the production, while not one of the best Bluebirds, can hold its own before the average audience. The story tells of how a little girl, at the death of her mother, who has shared her ambitions to become a dancer, suddenly finds herself transported to the heaven of which she has dreamed when her father buys a traveling show and makes her the star of the company. The plot of the story develops through the jealous machinations of one Madame La Rue, whose daughter is also one of the dancers of the company. On the death of Mary's father Madame La Rue takes possession of money and papers which the deceased has told her of before his death, writes to Mary's rich uncle, stating that she is bringing Mary and the body of his brother to him, and substituting her own daughter for Mary, leaves the girl to work out her own salvation. The incidents following where Mary wanders off and becomes the companion of a fisherman, falls in love with a young author, and finally reaches by chance the home of her uncle, are moderately entertaining. – The Moving Picture World, January 20, 1917