Reel and Slide (Jan-Sep 1919)

REEL and SLIDE Clever and Wholesome Comedy Drama "Let's See, Now, How Do They Do It?" 'Where Do I Begin?" QUITE the most delightful and wholesome comedy drama that the writer has witnessed on the screen this year is found in the Paramount screen version of Alice Duer Miller's charming story, "Come Out of the Kitchen," dramatized by Mr. A. E. Thomas. The screen story was directed by John S. Robertson, with Miss Marguerite Clark in the leading role. "Come Out of the Kitchen" represents the highest type of story yet obtained for the screen. It is literally crammed with heart interest appeal, red-blooded romance and some of the most exquisite comedy ever recorded on film for the entertainment of the masses. THE STORY Claudia Daingerfield is a member of an old aristocratic family of Virginia, but sadly impoverished. Her father becomes ill and it is decided to send him with Mrs. Daingerfield to New York for treatment by a specialist. To obtain sufficient funds for the purpose, Claudia decides to sell her horse, but Randolph Weeks, who loves her, comes to her rescue when he induces Burton Crane, a rich man from the North, to lease the Daingerfield for the hunting season for $3,000. Crane hates negroes and agrees to pay the price on condition that the negro servants are replaced by white persons. It deT velops that the white servants applied for refuse to go to the country, whereupon Claudia, who is desirous of leasing the home to Crane, announces to Elizabeth, her sister, and her two brothers, that they themselves will have to act as servants. Elizabeth rebels, but finally consents to serve as upstairs girl, while Paul is the butler, Charles a boy of all work, and Claudia herself the cook. Crane arrives with Solon Tucker, his lawyer, Mrs. Faulkner, a sister of Tucker's, and her daughter, Cora. The latter has been advised by her mother to "catch" Crane at any cost, but while Cora is secretly engaged to another, she pro Cooking Is So Hard on One's Hands" fesses to agree to her mother's plans. Crane immediately falls in love with Claudia whom he knows as Jane Ellen, the cook. Crane finds a miniature of Claudia's grandmother, which affects him strangely, but he cannot decide of whom it reminds him. Paul hides the miniature and Crane is inconsolable. Claudia cannot cook, but she smuggles Mammy Jackson into the house, who prepares delicious meals, which are served by Paul in correct English style. Crane is enchanted with his pretty cook, but Mrs. Faulkner messes up things by nosing about the place and making inquiries regarding Claudia and her beaus. Tucker tries to make love to her, whereupon her brother Charles quarrels with the lawyer. When Crane hears of the incident he discharges Charles. Crane becomes jealous of Randolph Weeks, who is paying attentions to Claudia, but when she tells him that she doesn't love Weeks, he is greatly relieved. Cora begins her campaign to win Crane and Claudia, who observes what is going on, becomes heart sick, for she is beginning to love him. The family manages to stick together in the attic, where the discharged Charles and Elizabeth are hiding. News comes that Mr. and Mrs. Daingerfield are returning home and Claudia is anxious. Crane is to give a dinner that night, and Crane tells Claudia she must serve it. Claudia declines, but Crane treats her so handsomely that she is persuaded to serve the dinner. Crane decides to break the lease because of the servants, and announces his decision to Weeks. He tells Claudia, who becomes frantic. While serving the dinner she spills soup down Tucker's back, and when the news comes that the operation on her father was successful, she forgets the dinner entirely. Crane goes into the kitchen to learn the cause of the delay and finds Claudia in tears. Claudia confesses everything to Crane, who takes her to his heart and tells her to come out of the kitchen to the nest he had prepared for her.