This is a gripping movie. Certain things about it (certain stated black characters looking decidedly white, or others obviously being white actors in blackface) take some getting used to, though once I do during a viewing I'm totally onboard.

A major shortcoming is Mona Ray's extremely annoying portrayal of Topsy. At times she is, of course, genuinely moving (and even appears to have been shedding real tears, at such times), though most of her performance is so incredibly, painfully over the top and thoroughly artificial that it's really hard to take. How she was deemed the best actress for the role is perplexing to fathom.

On the other hand, Margarita Fischer is wonderful in the starring role of Eliza.

All things considered, this is a very good movie, impressively, compellingly done.

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