Movies Way Back When: War Brides

By Betsy J. Green

The “war to end all wars” was raging in Europe in 1915, but most Americans were still firmly in the peace camp. One of the most notable of the local peaceniks was Marion Craig Wentworth, author of the play “War Brides.” The play deals with the German government’s policy of encouraging soldiers to marry and father a child before going off to battle. Wentworth went to New York to see the staging of her play.

According to the “Washington Times,” “The play is an effective protest against war, and is also an argument for the voice of women in international affairs.”

“War Brides” was made into a film in 1916. Unfortunately, only still photos of this movie remain.