Watch The Woman in White

The Woman in White is a 1917 silent film, based on the novel of the same name by Wilkie Collins. The movie was directed by Ernest C. Warde and stars Florence La Badie as Anne Catherick, Richard Neill as Walter Hartright, and Gertrude Dallas as Laura Fairlie. The movie tells the story of two half-sisters, Laura Fairlie and Marian Halcombe, who are heiresses to their late father's estate. Laura is engaged to Sir Percival Glyde, a gentleman who is only interested in her money. The two half-sisters are also introduced to Walter Hartright, a young man who has been hired to teach Laura. Walter quickly falls in love with Laura, but Laura decides to go ahead with her wedding to Sir Percival.

Into this love triangle comes Anne Catherick, a young woman who believes herself to be the illegitimate daughter of Sir Percival's father. Anne bears a striking resemblance to Laura and becomes an important figure in the unfolding drama.

The plot thickens when Laura discovers that Sir Percival is attempting to use her inheritance to pay off his debts. Meanwhile, Walter begins to investigate Sir Percival's past and uncovers a dark secret involving Anne and Sir Percival's father.

As the story progresses, Laura becomes more and more frightened of Sir Percival, who has become increasingly menacing. Walter tries to protect Laura and discover the truth about Sir Percival's past, but his efforts are hampered by the manipulations of the scheming Count Fosco, Sir Percival's friend and confidante.

The Woman in White is a classic Gothic melodrama with all the requisite elements: love, betrayal, madness, and murder. The film's cinematography is impressive for its time, with many scenes shot in the moody atmosphere of an English country estate. The performances by the lead actors are also noteworthy, particularly Florence La Badie's portrayal of Anne Catherick, the eponymous woman in white.

The movie was popular with audiences of the time and was praised by contemporary critics. The New York Times called it a "powerful and absorbing picture" and noted the "fine acting" of the cast. The Moving Picture World was similarly positive, lauding the film's "excellent photography" and "sympathetic characterization."

Sadly, The Woman in White was also notable for being one of the last films to feature Florence La Badie. The actress died shortly after the movie's release in a car accident at the age of 29. The tragic end to La Badie's promising career only adds to the film's allure and has ensured its status as a classic of early silent cinema.

In conclusion, The Woman in White is a gripping tale of love and deception that still holds up today. Its innovative cinematography and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.