NELL GWYN
starring Dorothy Gish
PICTURE PLAY
November, 1926
Dorothy Gish as Nell Gwyn in the picture of that name is all very well as far as she goes, but she doesn't go far enough. By that I mean the film ends abruptly, with the death of King Charles II, and a title tells us that to this day the bells of St. Martin's-in-the-fields toll every Thursday in memory of sweet Nell. All of which is true because Nell provided for this tribute in a bequest to the City of London, although the film doesn't tell us so.
The screen version leaves Nell in the lurch. We all know that she didn't cut short her vivacious career when she lost Charles. Why should she have, with youth and beauty still hers?
For the rest of the picture is pleasing entertainment. The tale of the lowly orange girl who captivated a British monarch, checkmated her enemies at every turn and had a fine time generally, is told with taste and charm. It is quite well acted by a cast composed entirely of English players, and Miss Gish employs her talents as a hoydenish comedienne to the satisfaction of all beholders.
"Nell Gwyn" is worth seeing, yes; but it misses being extraordinary. It gives us, however, a new conception of the star.