Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

42 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS Rosaline is left by her dying father in the care of the Duke of Tula, together with her fortune. As the years pass by the Count objects to the attentions paid her by Ruric, a plebeian. He wishes his nephew to win her. A duel is fought in which the gun-maker is victorious. Having befriended the emperor, the charge of murder brought by the Duke is thrown out. Unable to win the girl's fortune in any other way he tries to force her marriage, but the emperor has the Duke thrown in prison and unites Ruric and Rosaline. The players were: Yale Boss, Edna Hamel, Barry O'Moore, Benjamin F. Wilson (lead), Robert Brower, May Abbey (lead), Harry Gripp, Charles Ogle and Bigelow Cooper. "Cry of the Blood." (Lubin. Nov. 28. Three reels. General Film Company Exclusive Service.) — "Calf love is entirely out of this picture and it is not missed in the least. The story is one possessing great strength and will be appreciated wherever shown. Mrs. Jamieson, unable herself to bear children, adopts the child of drunken parents and deceives her husband into believing it her own. Years pass by and the young man's blood shows the taint of his parents. He becomes a thief and finally a murderer. In the final courtroom scene the wife tells the truth, and the boy's rightful mother takes the place she should have held. Much truth in the tale and it is well and clearly told. Written by George Terwilliger. "The Sunken Treasure." (KleineCines.) Seville, Spain, again forms the background in this multiple reel of Spanish customs and architecture. This fiery blooded race enter into their work before the camera with a snap and vigor that fills the production with interesting material and a well-roundedout story. The scene of the divers underneath the water is especially good. An exciting race between automobile and train forms a thrill part of the production. Some of the same actors play "Love of a Toreador." The fine work they did in that picture is duplicated in "The Sunken Treasure." This story, however, deals more with life at sea. Pretty Louise, the daughter of Michel, the employer of George and Peter, two divers, is the center of the love of both of these heroes of the deep seas. She, however, shows a preference for George. Peter, jealous of his friend and rival, plans a revenge. Michel obtains a contract to find a sunken treasure in a vessel lying in the ocean's bed, and the two divers are engaged to do the work. Peter, however, turns traitor, and in a belief that he can gain possession of the treasure himself and thus rid himself of his rival be plans with another <Hver to cut the air pipes which supply George with air while he is in the water. He suceeds in doing so. While George is recovering from the shock, Peter returns to the scene of action and succeeds in finding the loot. After making careful preparations, Peter takes flight on a passenger train for a distant city where he intends disposing of the treasure. George, through a friend, discovers the route he has taken, but arrives just as the train is pulling out. He presses into service a nearby automobile, and an exciting chase ensues. The auto proves to be a little faster than the train and at a crossroad stops in the middle of the tracks and compels the engine to stop. While he is entering the car from one side, Peter leaves it from the otl. r and steals the machine left by George aad his companions. He is some distance on his way before they discover his strategy. Fortunately, however, another car is just passing and after explaining their mission the owner of it permits them to use it. Peter, however, reaches the docks in advance, boards a waiting vessel and endeavors to hide himself in one of the storerooms. His hiding place is discovered, but he keeps his pursuers at bay with his revolver. One of the bullets of the officers ignite the powder with which the room is stored and the explosion which follows wrecks the ship and kills Peter. In the confusion George finds the treasure, delivers it to Michel and returns to Louise. "The Pale-face Squaw." (Laclede. Three parts.) This film is especially important as being the first production of a new firm. As the name indicates, it is a Western subject and it ranks high among its kind. In the production great care has evidently been used, with the result that the atmosphere of the Wild West and the days when eternal vigilance was the price of liberty are faithfully reproduced on the screen. The Byers and Martin families go West with their covered camp wagons. The Indians, led by Chief Red Dog, attack the Byers family on horseback. A fierce fight follows and little Polly, frightened, runs and hides in the woods. After the fight, Red Dog finds little Polly and adopts her Then the white men get thicker and thicker, and he quits the country. Years later Jim Martin and Anna Byers are sweethearts while Polly is still among the Indians, wooed by the Raven. Anna's father turns to the roulette wheel for his enjoyment. Polly is rescued from the unwelcome advances of the Raven by Jim Martin. An exciting fight on horseback between Jim and the Indian chief follows. Both fall from their horses. Then the other Indians ride up. Byers gambles away even his daughter's jewelry. The Raven with Jim a captive, tortures him by forcing him to witness the attack by the Indians upon the home of his sweetheart. She, inside, defends the cabin. One Indian starts to come down the chimney but is smoked out by the girl and falls to the floor unconscious. The Indians break down the door and stream in when Polly saves the day. The father opens the locket and recognizes Polly as his daughter. At this juncture the relief party of settlers arrives and the Indians are whipped. Then follows the reunion of the father and daughter. "Whimsical Threads of Destiny." (Vitagraph. Nov. 22. Two Parts.) — A method by which those over-burdened with wealth may know to whom to leave it. Webster, an old millionaire, is believed dead and has left his total wealth to a nephew and niece, providing they marry each other. Both are willing until the man, Dr. Hale Webster, meets an equestrienne, with whom he falls in love. He gives up all claim to the money because of his love for the girl. The niece plans to make him marry her so that they may get the fortune. But the. two lovers stay true, and the old man comes to "life," disowning the scheming niece and giving his fortune to Dr. Webster. Exciting action is staged. The acrobats are played by Elsie and Vera St. Leon and their brother, Charles Kent. Harry Northrup. Julia Swajme Gordon, Courtenay Foot and William R. Dunn complete the cast. "Wanted — A Burglar." (Edison, Dec. 1.) — A clever, original comedy, that should greatly amuse. An editor of a countrj weekly dares any one to steal $300 from his safe. His daughter does the trick. The printer wins the girl by producing her as the thief. "Venomous Tongues." ( Celio Kleine. Dec. 2. Two parts.) — One of the worst curses a man or woman may have is that of a scandalous tongue. This story, which was made abroad, tells of the worries a husband goes through over the false reports he hears about his wife. He finally kills her. Photography in places might be improved. "The Wreck." (Vitagraph. Dec. 2. Three parts.) — One of the best regular releases of the year. The photography is pleasing, and the casting good. Carlyle, a railroad president disappointed with his son. secures a position for Dick, a friend's son, with his railroad. His wife, loving him dearly, also loves her stepson and helps him all she can. She has manv secret conferences with Dick, which Carlyle misunderstands.