A Fair Exchange (1911) User Reviews

A good deal of business in the early part that didn't justify itself

[deickemeyer · 2 April 2016]

A situation fresh in moving pictures gives life to this sprightly melodrama. The heroine, a fine horsewoman, after a hard chase captures the bandit's sweetheart and she is rewarded by being able to write to the bandit in substance: "You have my lover, I have your sweetheart; let's exchange." The exchange is promptly made. To this reviewer it seemed that there was a good deal of business in the very early part of this picture that didn't justify itself. It opened with a conversation that the spectators had no means of understanding. It seemed also that the relationship of the players, the judge with his son, also the relationship of the bandit brothers should have been made clear sooner. The failure to make this reviewer early understand these relationships left some confusion in his mind until as the situation progresses it becomes all clear and plain. This momentary confusion was not sufficient to spoil the pleasure that the play and its happy ending give. - The Moving Picture World, August 19, 1911