The Sunbeam is one of multitude of one-reel silent films directed by D. W. Griffith for Biograph Pictures near the start of the 1910s. It is so old that it predates copyright laws, thereby forcing Biograph to literally brand their sets with their logo to prevent people from stealing the footage, rebranding it, and selling it as their own. This was the first film that I watched as part of my class on the history of melodrama at NYU Tisch. It is a perfect example of early film melodrama. The plot centers around a young girl living in a tenement building. One day, her mother dies in her sleep. Ignorant of what actually happened, the girl approaches the other tenants and asks them to play. Through the sheer power of her innocent and cuteness, she is able to change the lives of several people living in her building. The Sunbeam is a charming little film that is a fantastic example of early Griffith. Ynez Seabury as the little girl shines through the screen. The Sunbeam isn't necessary viewing for anyone who wants to study early silent film and melodrama. But at only 17 minutes long, it doesn't hurt to check it out anyway.
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