A Hungry Heart

It is a good many years since "Frou Frou" was last performed in this country. "Camille" and "East Lynne" were its only rivals as tear-compellers, and many a great actress of a past generation, including Sarah Bernhardt, have, played foolish little Frou Frou, who wrecked her life without the shadow of a cause and died just as the pathetic truth was brought home to her. The screen version of this French drama, which is almost a classic, follows the stage play closely. Produced by Peerless, under the name, "A Hungry Heart," and released by the World Film Corporation, it has been given an excellent cast, Alice Brady heading the list. The play is a striking example of the artificial school to which it belongs. The conduct of the elder sister, who gives up the man she loves in order to secure the future of light-headed but good hearted Gilberte, whom everyone calls "Frou Frou," and finds that her sacrifice has been in vain, is thoroughly French in motive. Frou Frou's abandonment of her husband and child for the lover that had been refused her hand by the girl's father, is also according to the traditions of the Scribe school of dramatists, the entire work coming under the head of the "well made" play of forty years ago. Adapted to the screen "Frou Frou" loses most of its humor, supplied by Papa Brigard, but tells clearly and with steadily growing interest the serious portion of the story. Emile Chautard, the director, shows first-hand knowledge of the business of the play, and has adjusted it to screen requirements with skill. Alice Brady catches the spirit of Frou Frou admirably and indicates her varying moods with a praiseworthy degree of understanding, and dexterity in the art of acting. Two particularly well-rounded performances are the Henri de Sartorys of George MacQuarrie and the Louise Brigard of Gerda Holmes. Edward Langford is a happy choice for the part of Paul de Valreas, and other useful members of the cast are Alec B. Francis, John Dudley, Edna Whistler, and Mrs. H. J. Brundage. – The Moving Picture World, February 10, 1917