Motography (1912)

270 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. VII, No. 6. meets a tramp who has a flask of whiskey, and gives the fellow his clothes for the liquor. Later the tram]) is killed by a train and is identified as Marr by the clothes he is wearing. Marr sees the notice in the paper and decides to allow his wife to believe him dead. Years later she is again married, this time to a man of wealth and happy in her new-found love. Marr turns up. a bearded ruffian, gains entrance to her home, reveals his identity and agrees to remain in obscurity if she will keep him supplied with money. After several visits her ready money is exhausted and she attempts to drive him away with a revolver. He "Billy Changes His Mind." wrests the weapon from her and is joking over the matter when the gun is accidently discharged, killing him. Her husband entering, she hysterically explains Marr was a burglar and she killed him in defense of her life, and thus the real truth is never revealed. Miss Russel portrays the wife with gripping characterization and overcomes the difficulties of the exacting role with countless touches of personal charm. Frank Dayton is splendid as Marr and Francis X. Bushman effective and clean-cut as the wealthy husband. The famous "Broncho Billy" western series, originated and played by G. M. Anderson, number three among the June releases. All are characteristic features, strong and vital in plot and interpretated in the heart of the far "West. "Broncho Billy's Gratitude," released June 18, is a splendid example of Mr. Anderson's superb knack hitting upon gripping stories and transforming them into masterpieces of film art. Mr. Anderson's portrayal of Broncho in this photoplay is the best he has yet done throughout the series, and splendid support is rendered by Vedah Bertram and Brinsley Shaw. "Broncho Billy and the Indian Maid," released June 29, is distinctly a feature, and affords both Mr. Anderson and Miss Bertram opportunity for gripping characterizations. One of the finest heart-interest dramas for the month is "The Passing Shadow," released June 14, and featuring Francis X. Bushman in one of the greatest roles this popular actor has yet portrayed for his host of admirers. "Frisco" Sam, a tramp, is beaten and kicked from a farm-yard one morning when he attempts to secure a drink of water. Swearing revenge he limps off down the road and meets a little crippled girl who offers him a luscious apple. With a grim smile he thanks her and goes on to his camp. Glancing over an old paper he finds that his father, a wealthy physician, has died and lawyers are searching for him. Beating his way to the city he proves his identity and finds a fortune of fifty thousand dollars has been left him. With the one thought of securing revenge on the rustics who mistreated him, Parsons now lays his plans. Meanwhile, Farmer Rankin learns he will have to bear the expense of an operation to cure his little daughter's deformity. Not having the money he is in depair, but is crushed when a letter from his lawyer advises him that the mortgage on his farm has been taken over by a New Yorker who threatens eviction unless payment is made by noon the next day. The new owner arrives in the person of Parsons who refuses to listen to Rankin's pleas for mercy and declares his revenge has come. Rankin leaves for town to try and raise the money and Parsons is striding through the house when he suddenly comes upon the little cripple girl and recognizes her as the angel who gave him the apple in his distress. Parsons learns she canot undergo the operation necessary to cure her because Rankin cannot afford the expense. For a moment he fights it out with himself, then tiptoes from the room with the tot's fairy-book in his hand. All thoughts of vengeance leave him, he writes out a check to cover the operation expense, pins it together with the surrendered mortgage to a leaf of the book, steals back into the room, lays it on the little one's lap, kisses one of the tangled curls, then quietly leaves. This is a beautiful story, and the Essanay Company has made the most of the striking plot. Little Eleanor Kahn. a wonderful child-actress, is splendid in her many tense scenes with Mr. Bushman, who plays Parsons, and the entire production is a distinct feature that will be long remembered by all picture-lovers who view it. "Billy Changes His Mind," released June 7th. is one of those sparkling comedy gems that are a source of joy to all. Unique in plot, snappy in action, beautifully staged and delightfully interpreted, it is a positive revelation in pure joy. John Steppling, in his ever-popular role of Billy, is splendid, and Lillian Branscombe plays opposite him in a charming char