Moving Picture World (Jan-Mar 1912)

142 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 111 order to dodge tbe unerring aiiu of cupid be departs as gracefully as possible, in his haste forgetting a favorite book he had brought with him. Ke turning later for bis book he finds the young lady alone. Instinctively she feels her love reciprocated and taking advantage of the leap year privilege, makes a proposal of marriage and is accepted. A FIFTY-MILE RAMBLE THROUGH THE THOUSAND ISLANDS (Jan. 17) .—Among the beauty spots of the world that section of the St. Lawrence River which includes tbe Thousand Islands and the wonderful channels between tbem, is one of tbe most unique and picturesque. The boat which makes the famous ramble trip among the islands passes by scenes representing almost every stage in tbe development of civilization, from the wild rocks and trees which cover some of the islands, to the millionaire palaces with flowerbeds, lawns, summer houses, etc. Some of the islands are on tbe Canadiau side of the river and some on the American. In one case tbe owner of one of the beautiful summer homes has bis house in Canada, and a little bridge leading across to a little summer house on a tiny island a few yards distant leads one into American territory. The film ends with a view showing a sunset across the water. THE LITTLE ORGANIST (Jan. 19).— Mrs. Cleves has been failing for some time so tbe doctor advises sending her little girl to the country that the mother may be free from care. Little Edna Is eutrusted to Mrs. Cleves' younger sister Helen, who takes her to a small country town. When they are attending church one Sunday, the organist Is taken ill and Helen takes his place at tbe organ. Her playing creates quite a sensation and after service she is surrounded by an admiring group. The men are particularly attentive, and this creates no end of jealousy among the women who see in Helen a formidable rival. One evening, while practicing her music on the church organ for tbe following Sunday, she is joined by the young minister who has been very much attracted to her. On leaving the church they are espied by Mrs. Glib and Mrs. Sneer, two village gossips. These two take It upon themselves to safeguard the morals of the village and follow them to Helen's bouse. After tbe minister has bid her goodnight, they peek through tbe window and to their great horror, discover Helen romping with a child. The next day at the postoflSce the scandal is repeated with vim. Helen, entering upon this scene, is at once ostracized and flees in tears. The minister questions her, but she rushes by bim and when he learns from a native the reason for her tearful flight, he at once follows. He overtakes her just in time to rescue her from the advances of the village bully to whom be is obliged to give a sound thrashing. He escorts Helen home and then and there in spite of the gossip, asks her to marry him. Just as she consents, they are surprised by Mrs. Cleves, who has come to bring her little girl back to town. In tbe meantime, tbe minister's conduct has aroused the village and tbe women demand his resignation. A meeting is called in the little church and here tbe minister confronts them, but seeing the spite aud venom of the women, hands in his resignation. Helen, having been warned of the meeting, hurries to church, followed by Mrs. Cleves and little Edna. When tbe gossips' tale turns out to be false there is a revival of feeling in favor of the minister, especially when he introduces Helen as his future wife, TO SAVE HER BROTHER (Jan. 20).— This story Is laid in Colorado and deals with the district attorney of a small Western town, bis daughter and hia son — a young man whose weakness is due mostly to his boyish forgetfulnes-s of the duties of life and society rather than to criminal Instinct. Seeing an advertisement in the paper of one of the get-rlch-quick conrerns. and becoming possessed with the desire to make good before his father and sister, be robs his father of three hundred dollars, fully believing that be can return tbe money in a few days, and also add a great deal more to his income. But ere tbe money has left his hands, iie discovers that tbe enterprise is a fraud and thnt his father Is now Investigating its false methods and is authorized to secure all mail addressed to tbe company. The boy realizes that his father will disrover his theft through this means and so be applies to his sister's sweetheart. Jack Morton, who is a cowboy, for aid. Jack realizes what it would mean to his sweetheart and her father, and to save the family from disgrane. he robs tbe mall, liolds np the stagecoach, and secures tbe damaging letter. Tbe boy retuins tbe money to his father's ■safe and all would bnve been well but for a missing cuff button which eventually places tbe guilt of the stage^oafh lioid-up on Jaok. He Is willing to stand the guilt for his sweetheart's safe, but her brother confesses bis crime and Jar-k Is again reinstated. VITAGRAPH. FATHER AND SON (Jan. 15). — A poor woman, hugging closely to her breast her Infant son. staggers Into Sing Lee's laundry. Tbe Inundryman hastens to her assistance and slowly she tells him she Is sick and nigh unto death, requesting; him to place her boy In the care of some home. He assures her that he will care for the child and suddenly she passes away. Tenderly he cares for the child and day by day he learns to love it more and wbeu grown to boyhood, places little Jack in school and toils to support him and give bim an education. The boy is very fond of his foster father and often speaks of bis kindness to the neighbors, some of whom object to the Chinaman's care of tbe child and report tbe matter to tbe Juvenile Society, which sends one of its workers to Sing's laundry, taking the child away, against tlie protests of tbe boy and his good guardian. Jack runs away from the Society and returns to Sing Lee. The case is then taken to court and after listening to tbe Chinaman's story, the judge gives the youngster back to bis foster father. Some years later Jack, now a successful lawyer, is engaged to the daughter of the judge before whom be was taken as a child. Sing Lee is attacked by a criminal Chinaman, who tries to stab bim. Sing secures the knife and pursues him to arrest bim. A policeman arrests Sing Lee with the knife in his band, accusing him of being a bad character. He is brought into court and defended by his adopted son Jack. The judge is the father of Jack's fianc&e. Jack tells bow Sing Lee cared for him and brought bim up to manhood, an honored and desiralile citizen. The jury acquits the Chinaman without leaving their seats. Jack's fiancee is in court with her mother. They are astonished. The judge's wife asks bim to give up either bis foster father or their daughter. Jack replies that it would be base ingratitude to so far forget the sacrifices made in his behalf to deny tbe man who made them. The judge grasps Jack by tbe hand and tells him if be were a man to forget the kindness of the Chinaman he would not be a fit husband for his daughter, and he is glad to have bim for bis son-in-law. CHUMPS (Jan. 16).— Bunny and Marsh attend a show and both fall in love with a charming danseuse. They i^cnd their cards into the Green Room to her. receive an audience add take her home in a taxi. Her father objects to their attentions and forbids her seeing tliem again. When her father is absent she sends them each a note to call on her. Bunny gets there first with a five-pound box of candy. While be and Lauretta are tete-iteting Marsh is announced. Bunny bides behind tlie portieres. It is now Marsh's turn. He trips in with an immense box of Jacque roses, which he presents with a great flourish and much to do. He Is getting on finely when another visitor comes in. Marsb is obliged to hide behind the lid on top of the grand piano, underneath the cover. The third caller is a very tall, handsome young man. To cap tbe climax her father returns and tbe last visitor takes refuge under the sofa. His obedient daughter tries to hold his attention. This is too much for the three hiders, who make up their minds to beard the lien in his den. Bunny and Marsh fearlessly face the old gentleman and bid him a cheery good-evening. The tall young man looks puzzled. Marsh and Bunny proclaim their admiration for the old fellow's daughter and tells him their intentions are honorable. This Is the last straw for tbe tall young man. He waves them aside and boldly declares he has secretly married Lauretta and she is now bis wife. The little fellow collapses and the big one takes his pal in his arms, carrying him from the room In tears, like a bawling infant. CAUGHT IN THE RAIN (Jan. 17).— Edith Miller, from New York, is on a visit to her friend, Helen Wells, whose people own a large country house not far from Denver, They have an engagement to go motoring with George Roberts, a young Westerner, who Is rather struck with Edith. Helen has a headache and cannot go. After some little persuasion she gets Edith to go alone with Roberts. That evening Jaspar Ray. a convict, escapes from tbe jail in a little town nearby and Is pursued by the sheriff and bis men. He manages, however, to hide In the woods and eludes their vigilance. In tlie meanwhile Edith and Roberts are enjoying their auto ride. Finding her a little sliy, Roberts proposes to teach her how to run the motor. Slie Is delighted and proves an apt pupil. He watches her In admiration. Suddenly she makes a mistake and the machine stops. When he inspects It he finds it has run out of gasoline and be starts off In search of a fresh supply. .Taspar, the escaped convict, tnkes refuge in a de.=!erted cottage. Roberts, liaving secured the gasoline. Is on bis way back when a terrible rain storm overtakes him. He goes in flfarr-Ii of wraps and umbrella, comes to the cottage where .Taspar has taken refuge, and enters. Jaspar. thinking It Is the sheriff, attacks him, but Roberts overpowers him. Jaspar tlien pleads with Roberts not to give him up. He tells his story and prnmlsps amendment In the future. Roberts Is touched by his miserable condition and decides to help bim. giving him his clothes and putting on the convict suit under his overcoat, Friffbtened by the storm. Edith has followed Roberts. Tlie men bear her coming and not knowing who It Is. blow out tlie light. She enters and Tloberts seizes her. She struggles and tries to defend herself, crying out. Roberts rerognlzeo her voice and tells her who It is. and IntrodU'-es lier to Jnspar, They retiH-n to the auto, take .Taspar to tbe railroad stntlon, and give hlra money en<^ugb to make a new start. On the road hf>me Roberts proposes to Edith and is accepted. TOM TILLING'S BABY (Jan. 19).— A Imrse sho-j Is an omen of good luck, Tom. tbe Uttle bootblack. hPiieves It. wo does bis sister Susie, and they are very proud of the one which Tom has just found and upon which lie pins his faith in starting out for his day's business. Mamie, the nurse maid in wealthy Mr. Carter's family, and Hodges, the butlf-r, are always jolly. ing and joking each other, auQ incideBtly thinkiug up some practical joke to play on each other. Hodges thinks of oue which be considers capital. He awaits his chance to play it on the unsuspecting nurse. The opportunity comes when the nurse has the baby ont in the park for an airing. While she is talking with a policeman, Hodges removes the baby, while still asleep, from its carriage and bides it in tbe bushes, some little dis^ tance away. After her tete-a-tete with the cop she discovers the loss of tbe child. The blueooat and the nurse start on a wild hunt, without result. In tbe meantime Tom happens along the pathway where the little one is hidden, is somewhat astonished to find it in such a peculiar place, hot doesn't fail to make a mental note of the butler, who is sneaking away. Tom decides to take the baby home to Susie and adopt it as a member of their household. The nurse, in tears, tells Mr. and Mrs. Carter of their loss and they insert an advertisement, offering a reward of $5,000 for the return of ilielr child, thoroughly convinced that it has been bidnapped. Tom sees this notice and hastens to the Carter home. Mr. Carter goes with tbe little fellow and soon returns with the baby, depositing , it in bis joyous wife's arms. Tom is invited to take !i dinner with them. While they are at the table, j the butler enters. Tom's keen eye at once detects bim as the man he saw sneaking away from where be found the baby. The butler is accused of kidnapping the child and taken to the police station, where he tells it was all a practical joke. This explanation does not save bim from prompt dismissal from the Carters' employ. With the reward, ii Tom opens a bootblacking parlor. Sosle is his 4 cashier and Mr. Carter bis stauncbest friend, mak [ ing the little fellow a prosperous and happy business man. A GIRL OF THE WEST (Jan. 20).— "Easy money" seems to be in sight for "Scar-faced Bill," ; a cattle rustler, when he overbears Jones, a ranch [ owner, offer John Wlnthrop $500 for bis horse, which ' Jones very much admires. Bill plans to steal Wintbrop's horse, deliver it to Jones and get away i with the money. Winthrop is very much in love ' with Dolly Dixon, aud is very fond of Polly, her ; youngest sister, who is an excellent horsewoman * and a great friend of the cowboys. She ha]>pena | to be with him when Mr. Jones makes the agree : ment to buy the horse. "Dance Hall Nell" stands in with "Scar-faced Bill," who instructs her to follow him when be gets away with Wintbrop's broncho and to delay, with her winning ways and cajolery, anybody who follows. Early the next morning Polly is out for a ride, j She overhears Bill's friend discussing the stealing i; of Wintbrop's horse and the carrying ont of Bill's ] scheme. She spurs her horse and starts at break ; neck gallop to warn Mr. Jones. On the way she ij meets "Dance Hall Nell," who tries to detalQ i' her. She wrestles from Nell's grasp and a neck aud neck race ensues. At times the two women are •> engaged in a hand-to-band struggle. Polly manages \ to break away and outdistan^?? the desperate ally of i the horse thief. Bill is carrying ont his job and is j just getting away with the money when Polly rides ^ up. He grapples with the girl, but she succeeds in discharging her pistol, which is overheard by the ranchmen, whom Bill has jnst left. They immediately jump in their saddles, rescue the girl from tbe desperate struggle with the desperado: they make him return the money to Mr. Jones and take him into custody, then continue their pursuit in a wild chase over miles and miles of country until they capture all of "Scar-faced Bill's" pals, Mr, Jones gives the $noo to Polly, who later hands it to Winthrop. He takes Polly and her sister In bis arms, Polly is the idol and life of the ranch, loved and petted by all. SELIG. THE SECRET WEDDING (Jan. 351.Adrian, an artist, seeking a certain cliff as material for a painting, inquires of Bessie, the daughter of Captain Whalen. as to tiie direction. He is attracted to the girl, wlio gazes lovingly at him as he leaves. He meets her on several occasions thereafter wliile painting at the seashore, and makes several sketches of her. During this time he becomes much infatuated with her. He invites her to visit bis studio. She glady consents, and while there, be would ■ again have her pose for him. this time desiring her attire to consist of but a «Iight covering so that be may be able to truly represent the graceful lines of her benutiful figure. But the maiden. In her simpllcty. feels unable to grant this rwinest. Without urging her further, he shows her the rest of bis paintings and then escorts her home. They soon see each otlier again, much to the sorrow of Loon, who was Beetle's sweetheart prior to her meeting Adrian, and who now closely watches ■ their movements, hoping f^r an opportune moment. In which he can harm .\drlan. Tbe couple, however, get away without adventure and are married. Later, the artist, taking one of several sketches ■ which he has made of Bessie at the cliff, draws nnon his resourceful Imagination and completes hi« picture. When placed upon exhibition at the Gallery of Arts "The Spirit of 1he Cliff" proves a winner.