Motion Picture News (Jan - Mar 1914)

*4 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS "THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES" (Pathe— Two Parts) A WELL written, well acted and powerfully constructed drama is "The Sword of Damocles," a two-part Pathe production, which will be released by the General Film Company, January 22. It deals with the trials of a misunderstood genius and his devotion to the child of his brain, an opera, which ultimately and after many tribulations wins success. Paul Hodgson, the hero, is a man with a really remarkable musical talent, but who finds it impossible to gain an opportunity to show what he can do. His character HIS DECEPTION DISCOVERED lacking the strength needed to balance his genius he becomes discouraged and becomes addicted to drink. His only sympathy he finds in his neighbor, Ella Marvin, who unites a big heart with a splendid voice. Hodgson has written an opera called "The Sword of Damocles" which he knows is a masterpiece and which is dearer to him than his life. Though his heart is thoroughly devoted to Ella, when he finds her one day with his precious manuscript in her hand singing from it he is made forgetful by liquor and plainly shows his anger, wounding her to the quick. This breaks their friendship and the repentant man leaves his quarters for good and becomes an outcast. Earle Winston, who has written some very clever compositions, has been commissioned by the directors of the opera to write them another, to be presented in the near future. He submits one which is rejected. He tries to spur himself to a better effort, but his mind refuses to travel out of the channels of his past productions. Samuelson, the director of the opera, writes him that people are beginning to say that he has "run out" and he sees that his rising fame may become blighted in the bud. At this juncture he accidentally meets Hodgson, now a homeless wanderer, but still treasuring the precious manuscript. He befriends him and by chance gains a glimpse of the manuscript and at once recognizes its value. Plying Hodgson with drink he finally persuades him to sell the manuscript and relinquish all rights of co-authorship. He submits the opera to the directors and it is joyfully ac In the meantime Winston has met Ella, become impressed with her and has persuaded Samuelson to give her a chance. Her talents win for her the leading part in the new opera. Critics and producers alike are delighted with the new opera at the dress rehearsal. Winston sees ahead fame beyond any he has ever enjoyed. But the sword of fate is hanging by a thread. Hodgson appears and claims he was defrauded of the opera. Winston attempts to lock him up in his cellar but the desperate ni. in escapes, appears at the opening performance to assert his rights and Winston dies by his own hand. Gerald Harcourt as Hodgson, the discouraged genius, makes a notable impression. Eleanor Woodruff, who takes the part of Ella Marvin, portrays this not difficult role in her usual satisfactory fashion, while Irving Cummings and Morris McGee, who fill the roles, respectively, of Earle Winston and Samuelson, are also worthy of mention for their good work. "THE BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR" (Kennedy Features Inc.) THIS three-part production is a dramatization from the novel of Sir Walter Scott, of the same name. Constance Crawley and Arthur Maude, the English thespians, play the leading parts. Miss Crawley wears a diaphanous gown in several scenes with good effect. Many beautiful settings, enhanced by superior photography, make this a really delightful offering. The story is almost too wellknown to need retelling. In disobedience to the orders he had received, Edgar, Lord Ravenswood, buries his father with the rites of the ARTHUR MAUDE AND CONSTANCE CRAWLEY IN OF LAMMERMOOR' THE BRIDE Scottish church. The Lord Keeper, William Ashton. reprimands him. Later Edgar is able to save him and his daughter from some brigands, and in gratitude the Keeper secures a pardon for him. The girl and Edgar become engaged, and break a coin, each keeping a half. Some time later lie goes to London to establish his rights, and while there the mother of the girl arranges a marriage between Lord Gerrington and his fiancee. Not having heard from him. and having reason to believe he has not been faithful, she consents to marry his rival. Just as the ceremony is completed Edgar stalks into the room. Seeing how things are and knowing his suit is now impossible, he throws himself into the quicksands. The girl dies from the shock.