The theatre of science; a volume of progress and achievement in the motion picture industry (1914)

t>f Science 159 plays. Interest in pictures has been stimulated, finer theatres for the projection of pictures have been erected, and the industry is booming all along the line. Mr. Handworth became one of the first directors engaged by Pathe Freres, when that firm opened its American studio in Jersey City Heights. He was responsible for many of its brilliant successes, and to-day stands firmly entrenched as one of the foremost producers in America. Recently he severed his connection with Pathe, and entered the field for himself, organizing "The Excelsior Feature Film Company," with studio located at Lake Placid, New York. His first picture under the new regim.e will be a four-reel feature, "The Toll of Mammon," now in preparation. If care, thought, study, and ability count for anything, success will surely crown his efforts. Octavia Handworth was born December 25, 1888, the year of the great blizzard, in a small brick building still standing on Fifteenth Street, near Seventh Avenue. As a child, she showed great aptitude for music. Her parents decided to encourage her, and at nine years of age she was sent to Copenhagen to study under masters. At twelve she returned to this country, and Herr Bancke became her instructor. Great progress was made, for a year later we find her giving recitals in Brooklyn, where she then resided. A great future seemed in store for her. At the piano she showed wonderful technique, and her voice grew in strength and volume as the years went on. At sixteen she accepted an engagement with an opera company. The following year she was engaged by Weber & Fields for a minor part. Lee Shubert heard her sing, and became interested, but the dramatic stage shortly after claimed her, and she signed with a stock com