Revised list of high-class original motion picture films (1908)

TRAGEDY. A. D. 524X. I. PAGLIACCI. Price, $50.04. Approximate Length, 417 feet. A sensational tragedy in a traveling circus. The scene illustrating the first chapter is a circle of housewagons in common use by the itinerant circus. Seated on a box is the clown, who is the leader of the company, and upon hearing a signal by the trumpeter all the members come forth and form a procession, after which they return for a few minutes, break ranks, reform and proceed to the large exhibition tent. The first exhibition is by a member of herculean strength, who deftly handles a huge dumb-bell. This is followed by an exhibition of skill on the part of two gymnasts. The clown now exhibits his skill as a marksman by shooting a hole through a card in the hand of his wife, who is also a member of the company. He now performs the "William Tell" feat of shooting an apple from the head of his wife. Each performance is followed by applause from the audience. The entertainment concluded, the audience and members of the company leave the tent, and in so doing one of the audience is seen to show affection for the wife of the leader, which is also observed by the clown, who gives evidence of jealousy. His physiognomy is distorted as the pangs of jealousy vibrate his frame. Seating himself in the interior of the tent he loads his gun with exceptional care, using a larger cartridge than is regularly his custom. The scene now changes to the outside of the tent, where we see the clown doing chores preparatory to retiring for the night. To one side we see the wagon serving as a home of the leader, and, slinking along the outskirts towards this wagon, is the figure of the stranger; he signals, and the leader's wife comes forth from the interior, scantily attired, and both are observed to exchange evidences of great affection for each other. Hearing the footsteps of her husband the two part, the man running at great speed, but too long did they linger, as the parting kiss is given in full view of the husband. He gives chase with a weapon, but being unable to catch the offender, returns to his home and, entering it in a fury, brings forth his wife, whom he upbraids and rebukes severely for her faithlessness. The scene now changes to the original, and the procession forms for entry for the evening exhibition on the following day. The various acts are performed and applause follows as vigorously as the night before. The clown is again to perform his act, but this time he chooses the "William Tell" act first. His features are a study as he takes his position and takes careful aim, and a moment later he pulls the trigger. The figure of the wife collapses. Excitement is at highest pitch and the wife looks pleadingly at her husband, who is apparently overcome with grief. Some of the members of the company immediately spring forward to raise the fallen figure and, kissing the outstretched hand, the leader looks regretfully into the eyes of his wife as she reposes in death — a victim of her own unfaithfulness and the jealousy of her husband. A. D. 72. THE ITALIAN BRIGANDS. Price, $64.44. Approximate Length, 537 feet. This film very accurately illustrates the operation of a band of brigands and their apprehension by the police. Lying in ambush near the road they surprise the frequenters of public highways, robbing and ofttimes killing their victims. The series opens with one of the incidents, and we see the vehicle as it is held up and the occupants attacked. Strong resistance is encountered and a desperate battle ensues, but, by force of numbers, the tourists are overpowered and plundered. Reporting the incident to the police one of a number of officials Is dispatched with a document to a certain point. On his way he must pass through a neck of the woods. It is of utmost importance that the document does not get into other hands. The 1S7