This is a fine old silent melodrama with an outstanding dual performance by Mary Pickford, certainly one of her greatest accomplishments. The story itself is quite good, and the rest of the cast is solid as well, but it is Pickford who holds your attention from start to finish with a wonderful portrayal of two very different characters.

Both of her characters are wonderful creations, and Pickford's portrayals bring both of them to life convincingly and memorably. Stella and Unity have vastly different appearances, life experiences, and personalities, and Pickford even gives them distinctive mannerisms and expressions. This allows the story to bring them together seamlessly in a plot that itself offers good, thoughtful drama and some good comic moments as well. You quickly come to care for both Stella and Unity in different ways, and feel for them as they learn some often difficult lessons about life.

While probably little-known today, "Stella Maris" is a terrific movie, one of the best of its era. If you enjoy silent films, you'll probably find it well worth the trouble to track down.