Is The Price of Her Soul Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1917)
Gun Connor decides to fight the drug evil, after learning that his brother is a victim. He redoubles his efforts when he learns that the father of the girl he loves is the manufacturer and chief distributor of the drug. In his effort and with revenge as a motive he becomes responsible for Ailene Graham, daughter of the head of the drug gang, succumbing to the influence of the deadly narcotic. He works every angle to torture her father into realizing the dangers he has been dealing out to others, through daily letters in which the girl's growing helplessness is pointed out. Finally, when she becomes a helpless victim of the drug, Connor takes her to her father, who, upon seeing that his dealings in the drug have reached his own fireside, refrains from the further dealings, and months later, joins his daughter in the mountains, where Connor has taken her and his own brother. Completely cured, Connor's love is rewarded. A cure is effected and contentment reigns.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then The Price of Her Soul offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1917 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 1917, The Price of Her Soul represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Gun Connor decides to fight the drug evil, after learning that his brother is a victim. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Gun Connor decides to fight the drug evil, after learning that his brother is a victim. He redoubles his efforts when he learns that the father of the girl he loves is the manufacturer and chief distributor of the drug. In his effort and with revenge as a motive he becomes responsible for Ailene Graham, daughter of the head of the drug gang, succumbing to the influence of the deadly narcotic. He works every angle to torture her father into realizing the dangers he has been dealing out to others, through daily letters in which the girl's growing helplessness is pointed out. Finally, when she becomes a helpless victim of the drug, Connor takes her to her father, who, upon seeing that his dealings in the drug have reached his own fireside, refrains from the further dealings, and months later, joins his daughter in the mountains, where Connor has taken her and his own brother. Completely cured, Connor's love is rewarded. A cure is effected and contentment reigns."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Gladys Brockwell does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.
The direction by Oscar Apfel is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 60 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is The Price of Her Soul truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, The Price of Her Soul explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1917 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Oscar Apfel respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, The Price of Her Soul is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gladys Brockwell or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Price of Her Soul is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.0 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.