HEARTS IN EXILE plays like a "most commonly used 1910s movie trope" list. Virtuous heroine who sacrifices herself for the good of all? Check. A love triangle between said heroine, a young but poor suitor, and an older but rich and socially convenient suitor? Check. A rapey villain aroused by the heroine's purity? Check. Misunderstandings and convenient conclusion? Yep, all there.
Clara Kimball Young was one of the big stars of the early feature period, though I doubt her performance here will win her any fans. She's not bad, but the part does not call her to do much beyond looking anxious or blissfully in love. The filmmaking craft is competent but nothing more. About the most interesting element of the film is a chance to see how American culture perceived the social atmosphere of Russia at the time, so soon before the revolution in 1917.
Clara Kimball Young was one of the big stars of the early feature period, though I doubt her performance here will win her any fans. She's not bad, but the part does not call her to do much beyond looking anxious or blissfully in love. The filmmaking craft is competent but nothing more. About the most interesting element of the film is a chance to see how American culture perceived the social atmosphere of Russia at the time, so soon before the revolution in 1917.