"Brutality" seems an honest but a rather unfortunate title for so good a picture; such a name is hardly a recommendation. The offering is one of those suggestive Biograph sermons, like "The String of Pearls," but it is better. One finds a good deal of sincerity in it, and a good deal of human truth. There is also individuality of style and something of progressiveness and originality, which promises well for the future of the picture business. The Biograph producer plays upon his characters as though they were musical instruments, and we are full of admiration for the impressions he is able to make, just by facial expression. In his beautiful photographs his characters appear as through fine opera glasses. Every change of expression is more clearly pictured than if they were really before us, and one isn't embarrassed drinking the effect in. Is it not truly soul-music? Can such impressions be created in any other way than on the screen. The story is of a husband and his wife. The man has an ugly, brutal temper, especially when he is drunk. The girl had warning, the testimony of her own eyes, before she married him, but he said that her he never would hurt. They are working people, and not very long after the wedding the little wife finds this husband of hers different from what she hoped. The way he treats her, and her consequent attitude toward him, are very truthfully suggested; one sees things not unlike it now and then. The man finally sees himself at a show where "Oliver Twist" is being played, and repents. Miss Mae Marsh plays the wife and does admirably. The scenes, acting, photography are all that could be desired. The picture is a desirable offering. - The Moving Picture World, December 14, 1912
