Universal Weekly (1914-1915)

THE UNIVERSAL. WEEKLY 27 LAST VILLON STORY "NINETY BLACK BOXES" ND now you approach the fourth and last dramatic episode in the magnificent series of the mediaeval period, revolving around the romantic, adventurous life of Francois Villon, vagabond, poet and friend of King Louis XI. These dramas, as they have been adapted from the George Bronson Howard stories, which appeared in the "Century Magazine," have been epoch-making in their effect in that they have established a new and higher standard for historical dramatic productions in America. In fact, as the reviewer of the Moving Picture World so aptly put it, "The camera becomes a veritable magic mirror to us in this delightful picture of the days of Francois Villon. Indeed, it is remarkable how convincing and like real human life these scenes from the long dead past are ; there are village streets with the look of actuality and interiors full of naturalness that will accurately reflect the times-" One enjoys a delightful thrill, a pleasureable comfort, produced only by the finished piece of art, in witnessing "The Ninety Black Boxes," which brings the adorable rascal, Villon, up to that point in his career where he foregoes the luxury of oourts and the smiles of kings to return to his vagabond companions. The sentiment which the story embodies will be understood and appreciated by everyone ; it is universal. The brilliant dueling scenes, the scenes in the palace of John Ballue when Villon measures his wits against those of the famous jailer, and the final reunion of Villon with his vagabond friends, are all events which grip with a greater vividness than ever the master novelist's words could. Harry G. Stafford, as the author of the scenario for the play, deserves a vast amount of credit. He has given smooth continuity to the various incidents and played up those which were logically deemed climaxes. Charles Giblyn has staged and directed the play with that perfection and skill that denotes profound study of the history and atmosphere of the period. Murdock MacQuarrie's characterization of the roisterer, Villon, is superb. King Louis XL of France is beset with the idea that his uncle, the aged King Rene, is trafficking with England and Burgundy against the French throne. So well has Francois Villon served his royal master that Louis sends him to Rene's court, there to either realize or set at rest the suspicion. The poet-ambassador "beys the will of Louis and soon convinces himself that the French king's suspicion is unwarranted. His diplomatic business heme at an end. Villon lingers to enjoy himself at Rene's court. "101 Bison" Drama is the fourth and last of George Bronson Howard's stories concerning the adventures of Francois Villon, run in connection with the stories in "Century Magazine". Released November 21. CAST. Villon Murdock AlacQuarrie Louis XI H. C Crane Oliver De Breuil Mark Fenton Jean Ballue Benj. F. Horning The Almoner Millard K. Wilson Madame De Breuil Agnes Vernon Villon Gazed at the Key with Tender Memories Guests of King Rene are the Duk« and the Duchess De Breuil. The younf Duchess, charmed with Villon's poetry, draws the susceptible poet into a mild flirtation. Her husband, the Duke, discovers Villon and the Duchess in the garden. The Duke nurses his jealousy and, his anger getting the better of his good judgment, insults Villon and hurls his gage at the feet of the poet. The action takes place before King Rene, who, while regretting that the quarrel has been forced upon Villon, tells the poet that the lists are at his service Villo» is no fighter, nor is he a coward ; he much prefers a battle of wits rather than a battle with swords. To save his face, Villon picks up the Duke's glove and with it lightly assaults its owner, then claims protection on the plea that a vow prevents his indulging in an assault at arms. To further fortify himself against such a possibility the poet requests that the king set him some knightly task, that life may be saved and not taken. The request pleases the aged monarch. Thought immediately comes to hin> concerning one John Ballue, a man of great cruel ty, of whom it is knows that his prisoners, having once gotten into his clutches, never escape, each prisoner being con fined in a narrow box, to which there are no keys. The King informs Villon that he, accompanied by the Duke De Breuil, shall go to Anjou and there pit themselves against John Ballue. The Duke, know ing the history of Ballue. flatly refuses. Villon, however, sneers at the Duke, then lightly accepts the King's mission. We next find Villon at the palace of John Ballue, measuring his wits against those of the famous jailer. Villon wins the battle, succeeds in shutting Ballue into one of his own boxes and liberates the monster's poor prisoners. Enroute to Rene's court, Villon is foolish enough to offer Ballue an opportunity to fight for his life. Once out of the box the crafty prisoner makes good his escape. Humiliated and fearing the wrath of Rene and the ridicule of Louis XI, Villon bids the released prisoners go their various ways, then seeks out the camp of his vagabond friends. Here we leave him, though not for long, for it is known that the French king, after three years, sought him out and raised him to a dignity greater than that which he enjoyed prior to his return into Vagabondia. tj? ?f? ?f? ?|? Miss Violet Mersereau, the charming Imp actress, for the benefit of the fans recently delivered two addresses. The first was at the Harlem Opera House, and the second at Keith's Jersey City Theatre. Both were received with wild ovations. At the same time "In Self Defence," a picture in which she played the lead, was exhibited.