HYPOCRITES
Starring Courtney Foote, Myrtle Stedman, Adele Farrington and
Margaret Edwards
VARIETY
November 7, 1914
"Hypocrites" is a Bosworth four-reeler that will probably be placed independently. Although the Bosworth company releases usually through the Paramount, it would not be surprising, after seeing this film, that the maker should decide to present it as a special picture show. In a way, "Hypocrites" is daring, but only because no one else has attempted as much or has gone as far. Lois Weber wrote the scenario and directed the film. After seeing it you can't forget the name of Lois Weber, though it be well known already in and out of the trade. To get right to the sensation of this four-reel picture, it is the figure of a naked girl, about 18 years of age, probably designated on the program as "The Naked Truth," walking and flitting through the woods. Even the most fastidious can find nothing offensive in this to carp at, it has been so well handled. Although a couple of times the young woman walks directly toward the camera, there is no false modesty exhibited, and a shadowy trick by the camera does not permit of the nude figure too long in sight at any time. The nakedness comes about through the destruction of a statue, erected by a priest, who is stoned to death by a mob at its unveiling. Incarnated as the young woman, the story works out to its conclusion. Some doubt seemed to exist as to the limit of the feature, when it was first shown a the Strand some weeks ago for a private review, but there is nothing in this picture at all that should stop its public presentation. There is no other picture like it, there has been no other, and it will attract anywhere, for it is a pretty idyllic pastoral picture of faultless taste. The title, "Hypocrites," is faithfully carried out for the theme. As a moving picture, in the manner Miss Weber has done this film, it could be truthfully proclaimed as the essence of sweetness in purity, but you will have to see the picture before realizing that. It is quite remarkable from every angle of the picture art.