Motography (Jan-Jun 1913)

April 5, 1913 MOTOGRAPHY 233 A DiamoncUS Potpourri Interesting Items from Selig's THE coming few weeks are to be big ones for exhibitors featuring Selig releases, for two specials are to be released within a comparatively short period, in addition to the regular program of one reel subjects. On April 5th a two reel story entitled "A Change in Administration," dealing with the political patronage evil, is released, and should prove a most timely subject, following as it does so closely upon the inauguration of President Wilson. On April 14th another of the popular Scene from "A Wise Old Elephant." Copyrighted 1913, Selig Polyscope Company. Selig animal features will be seen. The title of this latest thriller is "A Wise Old Elephant" and features "Toddles," the famous Selig elephant, who enacts the leading role. Strongly supporting "Toddles" in this feature are Miss Kathlyn Williams and Hobart Bosworth. Miss Williams, it will be remembered, played in the first animal picture produced, while Mr. Bosworth makes his debut with the animals in this film. It is seldom that the public has a chance to see these two popular Selig leads in the same film and they doubtless will much appreciate this opportunity. The story of "A Change of Administration" briefly tells how a new and dishonest clerk in the war department steals some valuable state secrets and sells them to a supposed spy of the Mexican government, only to learn, when it is too late, that the "spy" is the daughter of the Mexican ambassador and engaged to the young man who formerly held the clerkship, now vested in the dishonest employee of the government. Needless to say the treachery of the new clerk is exposed, and the former employee regains his position despite the fact that there has been a change in administration. The story is by Gilson Willets and was produced under the direction of Hardee Kirkland, while the following cast capably enact the principal roles : Warren, chief clerk of War Department Charles Clary Mexican Ambassador Harry J. Lonsdale Inez, daughter of Mexican Ambassador Adrienne Kroell Lester, incoming chief clerk of War Department William Stowell John Marshall, Secretary of War LaFayette McKee Wife of Mexican Ambassador Rose Evans James Wiley, an old attendant of the War Department. . . . T. J. Commerford Several of the stage settings are worth special mention, particularly the ones showing the Inaugural Ball. In "A Wise Old Elephant" one finds the role of Cupid being enacted by "Toddles" a huge pachyderm who acts as protector, nursemaid, guardian, matchmaker, messenger and peacemaker on a plantation in the Transvalle. Kathlyn Williams enacts the role of "Zara," the daughter of Col. Haskins, a wealthy planter. Her father has betrothed her to Lieutenant Driscoll, whom she detests, while she has given her whole heart to Robert Harding, a neighboring planter. Refusing to be civil to the Lieutenant when he calls, Zara goes off to meet her sweetheart and is followed by Driscoll. When he attempts to seize and kiss her "Toddles" drive him back with his upraised trunk. When the father attempts to force Zara into a hurried wedding she eludes him and sends a note by Toddles to Harding, arranging to elope with him that evening. The lovers reach a minister in time to be married before Driscoll can interfere, but when they return to ask forgiveness, Col. Haskins forbids them his home. Later, both he and Driscoll take to drink and their days are one long round of dissipation. The months pass and a little son comes to Zara and Harding, but still the father is obstinate and will not forgive his daughter for thwarting his plans. Driscoll arranges to have the baby kidnapped, but Toddles again interferes and seizing Driscoll in his trunk drags him far into the jungle. The wise old elephant then, himself, kidnaps the baby and carefully carries it to Col. Haskins and begs, with almost Scene from "A Wise Old Elephant." Copyrighted 1913, Selig Polyscope Company. human intelligence, that he effect a reconcilliation with his daughter. The closing scenes of the film show Zara's fright when she discovers the baby has disappeared and then her joy and delight when Toddles returns not alone with the baby, but also pulling her father gently along. The acting of "Toddles," particularly in the second reel of the film, is wonderful, and should give him a place in the foremost rank of the "stars" of the silent drama. The cast is as follows : Zara Haskins Kathlvn Williams