King Lear on AllMovie

It seems ludicrous now that silent versions of Shakespeare's plays were ever attempted, but they frequently were throughout the 1910s. This filming of King Lear had the advantage of starring Frederick Warde, who had played the old king many times on stage. Warde also made an effort to act for the camera, and give some meaning to his gesticulations. For those who are ignorant of the plot to King Lear, here it is: The King has left his kingdom in the hands of his two power-hungry daughters (Ina Hammer and Edith Diestal). Heartbroken over the behavior of his children, he retreats to a cave and his youngest daughter, the only faithful one, brings her armies to his rescue. There is a battle and the army of King Lear and his daughter are vanquished. After a clash of the enemy leaders, King Lear and his daughter are to be released, but she has died, and the King is overcome in his grief. Without the immortal lines of Shakespeare, this story is about all you get.