Photoplay plot encyclopedia; an analysis of the use in photoplays of the thirty-six dramatic situations and their subdivisions. Containing a list of all the fundamental dramatic material to be found in human experience, including the synopses of one hundred produced representative photoplays, with a detailed analysis of the situations used in each. Practical suggestions for combining situations, for testing the strength and novelty of plots, and for building plots; and an index referring to each producer, author, star, story and situation mentioned in the text (1922)

PHOTOPLAY PLOT ENCYCLOPEDIA a long period of delirium, remaining in Gloria's apartment by order of the doctor. During his convalescence he makes love to her. She feels herself strangely attracted to him. Later she learns he is Jerry O'Farrell, millionaire sportsman, who contracted fever while tiger hunting in Africa. IVith a happy heart she goes to inform him of his identity. But during an unguarded moment he had slipped away. Arriving home she finds Shaw, who has learned of the man who stayed there for two weeks. Shaw no longer wants her for his wife, and makes an insulting proposal. O'Farrell enters and a fierce struggle ensues. Shaw, severely thrashed, beats an in- glorious retreat, and O'Farrell gently takes Gloria in his arms. This story gives an excellent example of a dramatic beginning of a photoplay. In the introductory scenes we see Gloria about to marry a man she does not love; we know she is unhappy and we hope that something will occur that will prevent the marriage. As she is lying restlessly in bed a strange man enters her apartment, with his own key! Gloria does not know him, the audience does not know him, and sus- pense is maintained almost throughout the play by this clever note of mystery, which in the end is resolved by a very logical explanation. The man had lived in that apart- ment a year before and in his fever he simply returned to it. The rest of the story follows a more conventional plot pattern, but it would be difficult to find a better example of a gripping, suspensive, romantic beginning than in "Footlights and Shadows." The situations that occur are VII, II, and XXXIII. It would have been possible to have developed a much stronger and more sus- tained plot on the basis of this beginning, but since the play was adapted from a short story originally written for magazine publication it did not possess sufficient dramatic strength for a five-reel photoplay. In a short story one good situation is sufficient for the entire plot, but as we have seen a five-reel photoplay requires at least three of considerable dramatic strength. This story illustrates in a very excellent way the use of a slight element of mys- tery. The mystery is by no means the most important element in the plot and its solution is perfectly natural. It does not become implausible, but it supplies an addi- tional element of suspense that could not be achieved from a single conflict between the two men for the love of the girl. A slight mystery element of this kind is often very effective, especially if it is used as the inception of the play. "THE FORGED BRIDE." (Universal production; starring Mary MacLaren; story by J. G. Hawks; con- tinuity by Hal Hoadley; directed by Douglas Gerrard.) Synopsis. Forger Bill Reynolds collects money on a bad check and goes home to his daughter, P^ffffy- 'with the intention of turning over a new leaf and keeping straight. But from the window he sees a squad of detectives approaching, realizes that the game is up, induces Peggy to leave the house, is arrested and taken to jail. He is later sentenced by Judge Farrell to the penitentiary. The prison where he is confined is close to a beach resort where Peggy works. She becomes a favorite with the college boys, one of whom, Dick Fan Courtland, marries her. Dick's guardian is Judge Farrell, his mother a wealthy society matron. Farrell is recognized by the girl, but the judge keeps her secret. Clara Ramarez, jealous, tries to undermine Peggy's standing. Peggy writes to Bill that the Judge thinks she resembles his oivn daughter, who was kid- napped when a baby. Old Bill forges a letter which makes it appear that Peggy is really the Judge's daughter, and the Judge, though fully aware of the trick Bill has played, accepts Peggy as his daughter and Dick's wife. This story is a very good example of a familiar plot treated in a new way. Up to the last reel the story follows a timeworn pattern and one is led to expect the con- st