Reel Life (Sep 1913 - Mar 1914)

Red Life 9 The Witch of Salem By C. Gardner Sullivan, Thomas H. Ince and William H. Clifford. Nov. 20, 1913. This powerful drama reveals the atrocious fanaticism of the Witchcraft period in Colonial America. The principals are extraordinarily well chosen — and the entire production startlingly realistic. Though to a rational person of to-day, the evidence on which Prudence is condemned to be burned at the stake, seems absurdly insufficient — to the inflammable imaginations of those times — like tinder, to which the merest accusation of black art was the spiark — iher condemnation appeared justifiajble in the name of God and religion. The rumor starting that Prudence was a witch, it is by no means impossible to see how the idea waxed and spread among the colonists — until, already looking upon her with fear and loathing, they «aw in every action of hers — however innocent — signs of the evil spirit, casting spells, on everybody within her influence. She came to the colony, an orphan, entrusted to the care of Donald Hastings by a friend in England. The letter she bore stated merely that this was "a maide of goode parts"— and when Goodwife Hasting had tried her at the spinning wheel and in other arts of the household, finding her skilled and willing, and, withal, a blithe, young companion — Prudence was made welcome to live with Goodman Hasting's family. The newcomer's sweet looks and attractive ways captivated young John Hastings from the hour of her arrival. He followed her about, fascinated. At length, one day, out of doors, where Prudence is sitting in the open at her spinning — love overcomes him, and he takes her in his arms, passionately telling her of his love. At the same instant, Goodman Hastings and one of the colonists, an evil looking fellow, are peering through the greenery.. "Her father was hanged in Margate for dealing in magic," whispers the mischief maker. "I would rather have ye devil in my house than ye maide Prudence." When Goodman Hastings tells his son of Prudence's father's crime, forbidding him to think of marriage, John defies him — and his first terrible thought is that his son is bewitched by the girl. She is seized and confined in the Mourners' House — ^there to cast out the devil with fasting and prayer. Some children, playing near the place, curious about the witch-girl whom they have heard is shut up within, suddenly see Prudence in the doorway — and one of them, in sheer fright, faints and falls. The child's mother comes running, crying out that the witch has put an evil spell on her little one. Meanwhile, John is lying ill and helpless of a blow on the head, gotten while trying to make his escape to go to Prudence's rescue — ^and the child's fit and his indisposition are used as evidence against her in court. But she does not burn at the stake — and the emergency which saves her life but threatens to destine her to a fate worse than death gives a thrilling turn to the story. She changes a desperate chance, however, into a matchless opportunity to save the lives of the whole colony, and win their everlasting gratitude and forgiveness. She and John Hastings are married — ^and thus one Witch of Salem becomes a happy, honored Goodwife who lives out her days in peace. Notice to Scenario Iters Scenarios intended especially for submission to the Reliance, Majestic, Apollo and Komic Companies, should be addressed to the SCENARIO BUREAU, Mutual Film Corporation, 71 W. 23d St., New York City. The Witch of Salem Domino