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This short feature is quite melodramatic. It does keep your attention, but it rather strains plausibility at times in its attempt to make its point (which is still valid in itself). As you would expect, D.W. Griffith knows how to make the most of the idea, so it does make for interesting viewing.The story centers on a doctor who, in his desire to give his son everything that the son wants, is tempted to compromise his professional ethics. Griffith tells the story that follows with skill, making it worth watching, but nevertheless this one comes across as a bit more forced than usual.Possibly more interesting than the story itself is the topic, which was timely in 1912 and which is still of some interest now. The issues involved, though, are dealt with rather differently than they would be in a present day movie. Here, the whole question revolves around morality and intentions, and barely (if at all) concerns questions of legality. This is one of a number of interesting features from the era that deal with issues on that level.
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