Stella Maris | 1918 | Drama

Title: Stella Maris | 1918 | Drama Director: Marshall Neilan Studio: Mary Pickford Film Corporation Starring: Mary Pickford, Conway Tearle, Ida Waterman, Herbert Standing, Marcia Manon Based on: 1913 novel by William J. Locke Release Date: January 21, 1918 Runtime: 84 minutes Format: Silent, black-and-white, 1.33:1, English intertitles Country: United States Language: Silent Genres: Drama --- Summary: Sheltered from the world since birth, paralyzed heiress Stella Maris lives in a luxurious London home where her guardians cultivate an atmosphere of unbroken happiness. Her circle includes journalist John Risca, whose troubled marriage is hidden from her to preserve her innocence. Beyond Stella’s protected life is Unity Blake, a mistreated orphan maid who endures brutal hardship and later crosses paths with John. Mary Pickford portrays both Stella and Unity, contrasting privilege and deprivation as their lives intersect around love, deception, and the costs of awakening to reality. --- Background: Stella Maris was produced by the Mary Pickford Film Corporation and directed by Marshall Neilan from a screenplay by Frances Marion, adapting William J. Locke’s 1913 novel. Celebrated for Pickford’s dual performance as both Stella and Unity, the film was a major star vehicle during the peak of her popularity and exemplifies the era’s sophisticated melodramas. It was widely distributed by Famous Players–Lasky/Artcraft and later inspired a 1925 remake. --- Trivia: Mary Pickford plays a dual role, portraying both the sheltered Stella Maris and the downtrodden Unity Blake. Frances Marion, one of early Hollywood’s most influential screenwriters, adapted the story for the screen. Conway Tearle co-stars as journalist John Risca, whose relationship to both women drives the film’s central conflict. The film’s cinematography is by Walter Stradling, a frequent collaborator on Pickford productions. Stella Maris was remade in 1925 with Mary Philbin in the title role. Preserved prints are held by the Library of Congress and the Mary Pickford Institute for Film Education. --- Hashtags: StellaMaris MaryPickford SilentFilm MarshallNeilan FrancesMarion PublicDomain ClassicCinema 1918