The story
“A strong story of stage life, its lure and its temptations, is Their Last Performance, a three-part Than-O-Play, screened by the Thanhouser Company for release on the regular Mutual Program, December 28. The drama affords Ethyle Cooke, the dainty blonde leading woman, unusual opportunity for emotional acting, and the two big crises of the plot she handles with unsuspected power. Miss Cooke previously has been cast for society roles, ladies of the English nobility, and similar parts calling for refinement and screen presence. As Laura, the girl who sacrifices herself, she has made her debut into the stellar ranks, where her admirers fervently hope many opportunities may be awaiting her. Morris Foster does excellent work as Craig MacLean, Laura’s fiancé. Grace DeCarlton plays Christine, and Boyd Marshall is seen as Paul Danforth. Coster Rittmore, the clubman, is very effectively impersonated by Hector Dion.
“Laura Boone, the story runs, comes to New York from a small western city, determined to make her mark on the stage. She is soon disillusioned. She keeps her place in the chorus, nevertheless, for the small sum she is able to send home every week means a great deal to her father and mother. Laura receives a letter from her mother one day, telling of her father’s serious illness and the need of money for medical help. In the same mail comes a letter from Craig MacLean, her fiancé, regretfully explaining that, on account of financial reverses, he is unable to aid her parents. Coster Rittmore, a wealthy clubman, offers to loan Laura the money, and she, anxious about everything, accepts Rittmore’s terms and makes the sacrifice. For some weeks, her father hovers between life and death. Then, a visitor brings the family news of Laura’s life. Mr. Boone, broken-hearted, dies. The mother soon follows him. Craig comes on to New York, bitterly denounces the girl, and breaks off all connection with her. Some years later, Laura meets in a theatrical company Christine, a young girl who is her former self over again. She watches over the newcomer like a sister. One evening Christine is lured to a private room in a cafe by Rittmore. The actress goes to her rescue with Paul Danforth, who later marries Christine. Rittmore, frustrated in his designs upon the beautiful young dancer, and crazed with anger, tries to shoot Christine on the stage. The bullet misses its mark—and Laura makes her final sacrifice.”
Summary from Reel Life · 25 December 1915
