THE TOLL OF THE SEA
Starring Anna May Wong and Kenneth Harlan
THE BEST MOVING PICTURES OF 1922-23
1923 (Small, Maynard and Company)
"Toll of the Sea" was another variation of the old Madame Butterfly theme, photographed in color. It was the first colored picture to achieve natural tints with any degree of accuracy. The picture was extraordinarily beautiful throughout, and its dramatic interest was heightened by the superb actin gof a little Chines girl, Anna May Wong.
THE TOLL OF THE SEA
Starring Anna May Wong and Kenneth Harlan
HARRISON'S REPORTS
December 9, 1922
If one were in describing this picture, to use the word "Marvellous," one would not be exaggerating much: the colors are so beautiful, and so clear, that one becomes enchanted. The screen, in fact, has not yet seen anything to equal this beauty of color, this being the first time that this process has been applied in a picture.
The story, too, is good; it is tragedy, dealing with a young Chinese girl, who finds a young American hero washed ashore by the storm. She rescues him, and after he recovers, they fall in love and marry. The hero leaves for America at the call of his father, and although he promises to return to the heroine, he marries a white girl. They return to China on business. The hero calls on the heroine and explains; the heroine is heart-broken. She gives her boy to the hero's American wife to rear; she then commits suicide by drowning.
The plot bears a strong resemblance to "Madam Butterfly." Although not over-strong, the acting of Anna May Wong makes it not only interesting, but deeply appealing. The lovable little youngster, Baby Moran, adds to the picture's appeal. Kenneth Harlan, too, makes interesting an unpleasant role.
This picture should appeal to any human being that has in him even a little spark of love for art.