Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1912-Jan 1913)

GREAT MYSTERY PLAY 117 returned. This photoplay, when completed by the first prize-winner, will be called The Mystery Play of The Motion Picture Story Magazine, and will be produced by the Vitagraph Company, with full credit of authorship to the contestant submitting the best solution. All communications should be addressed to "Editor the Mystery Play, M. P. S. Magazine, 26 Court Street, Brooklyn, N.Y." vYe cannot undertake to answer any inquiries regarding the contest. The complete photoplay (all but the missing scenes) was published in the November issue, and it will not be published again. A copy of that magazine will be forwarded to any person desiring it, for 15 cents, in stamps or cash. The judges will be announced in the next issue. For your convenience, a synopsis of The Great Mystery Play is here given : THE DIAMOND MYSTERY. Jonathan Moore, inventor and chemist, is down to his last dollar, but, assisted by his daughter, Violet, and against the wishes of his wife, he persists in fitting up their living-room as a laboratory and continuing his researches. Olin, in love with Violet, enters, and shows his jealousy of Phelps, the son of Moore's best friend. After repeated experiments with his formula and crucible. Moore succeeds in making a large, perfect diamond, which is seen by all. Phelps slips out to his father's diamond shop, and, with consternation, tells him of the discovery. Olin, too, is troubled, as its results may place Violet beyond his reach. Meanwhile, Firestone, the diamond merchant, calls on Moore, and is shown the beautiful stone. He leaves, dazed, believing the process will ruin his business. The inventor cautiously hides his diamond and formula, cables the result to the International Diamond Syndicate, London, and asks for an offer. Bloodgood, the English manager, receives cablegram, and notifies his N. Y. agent, Rollins, not to make a move till he comes. Meanwhile, Phelps receives a sure tip on the races thru his reckless friend, Bill. They both are broke, and Firestone refuses to advance money. In desperation, Phelps goes to Olin, who loans him money and takes a receipt. Their horse is a bad loser, and Phelps, disheartened, calls on Violet. Believing him half sick, she tenderly cares for him, but Olin overlooks the scene and summons Phelps into the hall. Olin, in a jealous rage, demands his money. Phelps is destitute and puts him off, to return 'to Violet. Thru artless questions, he finds out from her the secret of the invention, and suddenly leaves to tell Bill the cheerful news, and claiming that he himself is the inventor. Bill is convinced and takes Phelps to the room of some counterfeiters. Phelps draws plans of his supposed invention, and, finally, sells it to them for a considerable sum. The next day he pays his debt to Olin. In Bill's presence, the counterfeiters construct the diamond-making machine, and find it inadequate. Bill promises to find Phelps and to fetch him there. He goes to Firestone's shop, and is directed by him to the Moores' house. He enters the laboratory, sees the invention, denounces Phelps, and leaves as Phelps tries to explain things to Violet. The success of the invention looks blue, as no word has come from England. Mrs. Moore is sarcastic and miserable, but Moore and Violet still hope against hope. In the meantime, the swindled counterfeiters hold Bill responsible for the trickery of Phelps. The unexpected day comes when Rollins, the syndicate agent, calls on Moore, to do business. Phelps, Violet, Olin and Rollins watch Moore make a diamond. They show great interest and. finally, consternation as Moore refuses an offer of $1,000,000 for his process. Rollins leaves, with a sneer. Mrs. Moore tells of her husband's obstinacy, to her lady friends, who start by sympathizing and end by plotting with her. Violet enthuses over their