Film Review: Stella Maris (USA 1918) with Mary Pickford

Content:  In this podcast, we talk about Marshall Neilan’s 1918 silent film “Stella Maris”, in which Mary Pickford plays a dual role, the rich, paralyzed Stella Maris and the poor orphan girl Unity Blake, demonstrating Pickford’s exceptional acting skills.  The film features technical innovations, particularly the use of double exposure, and despite its age is remarkable for its plot, acting performances and aesthetic design. The podcast highlights Pickford’s contribution to the development of the female film character and recognizes the film as an important piece of film history.  Summary:  Stella Maris is a beautiful, paralyzed girl who is cared for by a wealthy family. She is shielded from the harsh realities of the outside world, so she has no idea about the cruel things some people do. Unity Blake, on the other hand, is a poor orphan who, unlike Stella Maris, knows the harsh reality all too well.  Both young women fall in love with John, a love that is complicated by the fact that he is still married. Although he has separated from his wife, he cannot bring himself to divorce her.