True Heart Susie

True Heart Susie (Lillian Gish) lives with her aunt (Loyola O'Connor) and is deeply in love with William Jenkins (Robert Harron). In secret, she sells the family's cow and other farm goods to finance William's college education. Unaware of her support, William completes his theological studies and returns home. He has encouraged Susie to dress plainly, and she continues to do so when they go for a soft drink during his return. However, he becomes infatuated with more fashionably dressed young women and eventually marries the lively Bettina "Betty" Hopkins (Clarine Seymour). After William becomes a minister, he consults Susie about the idea of taking a wife, unaware of her feelings. William expects Betty to adapt to his simple lifestyle. She struggles with domestic responsibilities, and William finds Susie's cooking more to his liking. The marriage proves difficult for both partners. Betty sneaks away one evening to attend a dance at a neighboring house. Caught in the rain and having lost her key, she seeks help from Susie, who shields her from suspicion. The resulting illness from the rain proves fatal for Betty. Only after her death does William learn of her secret outing. He vows never to remarry but eventually recognizes Susie's devotion. He returns to offer her his hand in marriage. ==Cast==

==Reception and critical assessment==

Film historian Paul O'Dell reports that "many commentators have noted the great charm of his picture, as well as moments of deep emotional intensity." Critic James Travers of French Films.org applies a number of superlatives to True Heart Suzie, noting its "authenticity" and "realism," and praising Lillian Gish for her naturalistic portrayal of Suzie. Though filmed concurrently with Griffith's Broken Blossoms (1919), True Heart Susie was released after the more highly acclaimed work which also starred Lillian Gish. As such, True Heart Suzie "is not, or has not been, more highly regarded than perhaps it should have been." TV Guide affirms the point: Paul O'Dell adds: ==Accolades==

The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists: • 2002: AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions – Nominated ==See also==