The Moving Picture World (Apr-Jun 1913)

1236 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD "A Villain Unmasked" (Eclipse-Kleine) Reviewed by James S. McQuade. GEORGE KLEINE will release a two-reel subject by Eclipse, entitled "A Vilhan Unmasked" on June 27. The films unfold an interesting story, not at all unusual, but well told, There are several attractive open-air back grounds in the picture and several good interiors, all of which bear the stamp of fine photography. The pesple in the cast betray at times an over demonstrativeness of gesture that will appear strange to American spectators, but these peculiarities of the French actor are submerged by the really good acting of the principals. The villain is well carried by M. G. Baud, of the Vaudeville, Paris, and Mme. Feriel, of the Gymnase, is attractive and appealing in the role of the love-stricken widow and lady of fashion. Ralph De Forest, the widow's son, is brought out strongly by the clever juvenile acting of M. R. Lyon, of the Renaissance. Robert West, the head and organizer of a gang of forgers, meets Mrs. De Forest, a wealthy woman of fashion. He has had the advantages of birth and a liberal education; but, Jekyl-Hyde-like, he has his good and evil sides. He has never been able to wear himself away from refined associations, although he is fearful at any moment of being discovered in his felonious pursuits. He is introduced to Mrs. De Forest, who impresses him strangely at first sight by her rare personal charms. When he learns that she is wealthy and that she is not averse to his attentions, he pays court to her with redoubled zeal. In the midst of their courtship, Mrs. De Forest receives a letter from her only child Ralph, a youth of about twenty years, informing her that he is about to pay a visit that will last several days. She shows the letter to Robert West, who is visibly perturbed to learn that she has a son, and still more by the approaching visit. He conceals his real feelings, however, and makes a show of being happy at the prospect of meeting his stepson that is soon to be. Ralph arrives and is warmly welcomed by his mother, whom he deeply loves. That discreet woman, knowing how jealous Ralph is of her affections, warns West to keep out of the way until she breaks the news to her son. The opportunity arrives one morning, when a magnificent bouquet of flowers is brought into the breakfast room by the maid. The flowers have been sent by West, and Mrs. De Forest gently tells her son of the new love that has come into her life. Ralph is furious and dashes the flowers on the floor; but, seeing how much pained his mother is by his action, he embraces her and promises to meet the man who has broken into his life so rudely. West and Ralph are introduced, but the latter is not favorably impressed. He has a sense that something is wrong with the man who would claim his mother's hand. His suspicions are made still stronger when he discovers West in close conversation with a man, seemingly far beneath him in station. Then he resolves to shadow him. By skillful craft and dodging, he traces West to his office and to the underground headquarters of the forgers. He next follows two of the men engaged in making the spurious notes to a cafe, and secures the note paid by them to the keeper for refreshments furnished. He compares it with a genuine note of the same denomination. He is then clearly convinced that West and his gang are forgers. Wishing to spare his mother needless pain, he calls on West and charges him with his crime; but makes the overture that he will spare him, if he will renounce all hope of wedding his mother. West laughs derisively and refuses. Then Ralph goes direct to the government officers and gives them the information. He conducts them to the secret retreat of the forgers, where all of their number are arrested, with the exception of Robert West. That worthy had so hurried up the wedding day that he expected to be the husband Scene from "A Villain Unmasked," Two-Reel Kleine-Eclipse Subject.