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 ENCYCLOPEDL'V erner. are thrown together by the eddyings of the melting pot of New York City. It is natural that Derwynt and Lady Joane, with high ideals and cultivated tastes, should be mutually attracted, but Sonia, who after her father's death, becomes Der- wynt's ward, is a disturbing note in their happiness. She loves Derwynt herself, and finally seizes an opportunity to compromise him before Lady Joane, to save him for herself. Lady Joane breaks off the engagement, and at her mother's earnest behest, marries Sutherland, who has nothing but his money to commend him. Unhappiness results on both sides, and Derwynt and Sutherland seek solace in the company of each other's wives. Derwynt surprises Sonia dancing for Sutherland in her oivn home, and throivs out the visitor. He later learns that she is dancing, masked, in a public place, under the auspices of Sutherland. He kills the latter and is put on trial. M^hen it seems that there is no hope for him, Sonia rushes to the courtroom, a voluntary witness, and to save her husband, blackens her own character. Derwynt is acquitted, and Sonia, realizing that his love belongs to Lady Joane goes to drown herself, but is saved by Van Vechten. Derwynt's friend and advisor, who later mar- ries her, while Derwynt marries Lady Joane. The idea of bringing four widely different characters together and allowing them to work out their destinies and conflicts forms the basis of this story. With such a basis the plot development depends entirely upon the logic of the characterization. Although from the brief synopsis here quoted, it would appear that the killing of Sutherland is somewhat forced, in the actual production the characters were very clearly delineated and it seemed perfectly natural. The melodrama of the climax is relieved by the irresponsible, irrepressible characterization of Sonia (played by Mae Murray), and by the idealism of Derwynt and Lady Joane. It is worth while to observe that the inceptive situation and the four characters, with slight changes, could have led to a romantic comedy drama. Such a play might have been more logical and less artificial and it is likely that it would have made a still wider appeal to the public. "Erroneous Judgment" (XXXIII), used in several different forms, "Fatal Imprudence" (XVII), and "Self-sacrifice for Kindred" (XXI), enter the plot of the story. It is rather difficult to make use of four characters of almost equal importance in this way and to reach a dramatic conclusion. Even in this case, the author found it necessary to drop one from the cast and to restrict the major conflict within the dramatic triad. The "double triangle", as the use of two overlapping groups of char- acters is called, may often be employed effectively in comedy drama in which the plot involves "Mistaken Jealousy" (XXXII). From the brief synopsis not a great deal is learned of the characterization, but it must be remembered that only by quite unusual characterization could a plot of this kind be made effective. The character of Sonia, the rather wild Russian girl, is especially effective in contrast with the more reserved and staid Denvynt and Lady Joane. The value of the play largely depends upon character and character contrasts. "THE OTHER HALF." (Produced by Brentwood; all-star cast; written and directed by King Vidor.) Synopsis. The picture portrays a medium-sized totvn, to which a captain and a corporal return to take up civil life after the late war. They are great pals, but as the young captain succeeds his father in charge of most of the city's biggest industries, and the young corporal works hard as a machin- ist in one of his factories, their paths lead temporarily apart. When the corporal is made foreman and requests certain repairs made at the factory to protect the lives of the workmen, the young captain, now hardened to senti- 113