Universal Weekly (1914-1915)

T H E U X 1 V E K S A L W E E K L Y 27 Leopards and Lions Try To Kill Child HE great menagerie of Universal City was called upon to furnish the thrills of "In Jungle Wilds", the two-reel "101 Bison" animal drama to be released on January 2. A number of lions were recently received on the coast from Africa by way of New Orleans. These monarchs of the jungle, perhaps, did not bargain on becoming moving picture actors in America, but when Director Henry MeRae spied them in their new cages he immediately decided to use them in the picture he was then producing. On the steamer coming over from Africa three lion cubs were born, and these also Director McKae introduced into his picture. Perhaps the most gripping scenes of the drama are those in which the beasts of the jungle break their way into the settler's home in an attempt to devour his child. The baby is shown sleeping while the leopards and other beasts of the jungle bite and claw their way in through a When the homesteader returns he shoots leopards end its dying struggles are pictured on the screen. One almost feels like warning the child when it wanders into the jungle nest of the lioness and carries off one of the "pretty big kitties", the cubs of the enraged mother lion. Just how Director McRae held the great lioness in leash while filming the thrilling return of the beast at the moment the child makes off with the cub must remain a mystery for those who are not versed in the craft of the studio. There can be n«i doubt of the realism of the plunge of a panther to a horse's back in one of the scenes of this really remarkable photodrama and the writhings of the bors.as the panther's claws sink deeper and deeper into its hide are undoubtedly the real thing. With a specimen of nearly every animal which made the pilgrimage to Noah's Ark in the Universal zoo, there need be no limit to the realism of the sensational wild animal dramas which the Universal has in store for its patrons. If reports which come from the West be borne out, exhibitors of Universal films may soon be assured of jungle pictures equalling in potentiality of thrill the carnivals of the Colosseum arena. The story of "In Jungle Wilds" is as follows: Franz Kemper, his wife, 4ns son, Paul, and a daughter Mary, live on a farm in Africa. John Durke is Kemper's hired man. John and Mary are in love.. Lndwig von Baer. n naturalist, ib "In Jun«le Wildss", two-reel "101Bison" drama, tells story of life in the African jungle. Leopards, lions, gorillas and other denizens of the jungle attack settler's cabin in search of man-meat. Leopard springs on horse's hack before camera lens while frightened beast collapses with fear. Released Saturday, January 2. Scenario by H. G. Stafford Produced by Henry McRac. CAST. from Kemper •. I'vj dc Upselti I'aul Kemper ! ifdl J'uul Mary Kemper Marie Kemper Hester Kempt r Litlc Warrenton John Burke . . William Clifford fjiidwig ran Burr .. .Sherman Hainbridae boarded-up window, one of the spotted Kemper'* life-long friend. Kemper hajs long planned that his friend and Manshall marry. Von Baer arrives ih Africa, to study wild animal life in the jungle. En route, the naturalist stops at the farm of his old friend. Kemper is overjoyed, and presents Mary, at the same time making plain to her that Von Baer is the man whom he has chosen for her husband. Mary loses no time acquainting young Durke with her father's plans. Later, Von Baer sees that Mary loves Durke, and continues on his way into the jungle. Five years elapse. John and Mary have married, and have a boy and a home of their own. Again Von Baer visits the Kemper farm and learns of Mary's marriage. Accompanied by Paul Kempflr as guide, he sets out to visit the young couple. Mary's welcome is somewhat effusive. John witnesses the greeting, and permits his jealousy to get the better of his judgment. A scene results, and John takes his gun and stalks into the jungle. Von Baer and Paul bid Mary good bye and return to the Kemper farm. Mary, angry at her husband, leaves a note for him, takes their child, and follows Von Baer and Paul. His anger cooled, John returns home, finds the note, and hastens after his wife and child. Mary loses her way, and a prowling leopard stampedes her horse. Arriving at the Kemper farm, John fails te find his wife and child. Calling on neighboring settlers he shows them her note, and the four men start out to search for the lost ones. Von Baer finds Mary and her child, rescues them from a lion, and brings . .them hack safely to the Kemper farm. Jobs, ashamed of his suspicions, expresses hi« gratitude, apologizes to the innocent naturalist and ■ the story ends happily. if» «i? *k H* Unconseious of Her Danger, the Child Fondles the Lion Cuba The L-Ko Coinedj Company is now recognized as the foremost fun makers in movieland.' First "Love and Surgery" proved to be a laugh-producer which was unequalled for genuine humor and side-splitting situations. Then came "The Manicure Girl", as funny a play as had been; seen in months, and now "Baron's Bear Escape", a stirring, rippling comedy, which forces one to laugh from the opening scene to final fade-out. A new brand of "fall" is introduced in this comedy called the "long distance fall" down n mountain side, and everybody in the company takes it.