Volume II: Filmography

THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERY

(Edited reissue)

(Arrow Film Corporation)

June 3, 1918 (Monday)

Length: 6 reels

Character: Drama-mystery

Film editor: Lloyd F. Lonergan

Notes: 1. This film, released on a states rights basis by the Arrow Film Corporation on June 3, 1918, was edited by Lloyd F. Lonergan from the original 46 reels down to a six-reel film. It was first released in reissue form on June 3, 1918. Sales of the film continued for many months thereafter. Featured in the advertising were James Cruze, Marguerite Snow, Florence LaBadie, Sidney Bracy, Frank Farrington, and Irving Cummings, although the last-named individual was not featured in advertising for the original 1914-1915 version. Some notices stated the reissued six-reel film was distributed in certain areas by the Randolph Film Corporation. 2. The Arrow Film Corporation was located in the Times Building, New York City. On May 1, 1919, the company relocated in the Candler Building in the same city. Dr. W.E. Shallenberger was president, and W. Ray Johnston, earlier associated with Thanhouser, was also an officer. 3. In 1927 The Million Dollar Mystery was remade by Trem Carr Productions, using different personnel and with no connection to the earlier Thanhouser effort.

ARTICLE, The Evening Standard (New Rochelle), November 12, 1917:

"Lloyd Lonergan has changed his mind about going to California the early part of the winter. He is now busy cutting down the big serial, The Million Dollar Mystery, from 46 reels to six so that it can be crowded into an evening's performance. Though it was an artistic success and one of the greatest money-makers in its original drawn-out form, it is expected by its new owners to be a greater success artistically in its condensed form. The work is being done at the Thanhouser laboratories here and Mr. and Mrs. Lonergan have moved back to New Rochelle and expect to remain until December."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, June 8, 1918:

"This six-reel story being released on a states rights basis was made by cutting down the 46-reel serial issued some time ago. The result is filled with action, contains many thrills, and the continuity and suspense of the story is well maintained. A longer review appears on another page of this issue."

REVIEW by C.S. Sewell, The Moving Picture World, June 8, 1918:

"Released originally as a serial in 23 episodes of two reels each, The Million Dollar Mystery is now been cut down to six reels and is being offered on a states rights basis by the Arrow Film Corporation. In its present form it is full of action and thrills, and the continuity of the story has been well maintained, appropriate subtitles aiding materially. The thrills include rescue by aeroplane, balloon, and motorboat, automobile running through an open drawbridge, and others.

"John [sic] Hargreave, in his youth, joined the Black Hundred, a Russian secret society, agreeing to devote his life and resources to that organization. Later he came to America and amassed great wealth. In order to shield his daughter he had her placed in a girl's school when still a baby, and raised in ignorance of her father. When she was 17 Hargreave sent for her to come to him. In the meantime the Black Hundred learns his whereabouts and he prepares to flee, drawing a million dollars from various banks just before his departure. The band tracks him, and in order to elude them his butler, who resembles him, escapes in a balloon, while Hargreave, disguised as the butler, remains behind to look after his daughter. The attempts of the band to find the million dollars provide a series of adventures in which the daughter figures, and from which she is rescued by a young reporter.

"The story was written by Harold MacGrath, and directed by the late Howell Hansel. There is an excellent cast, including James Cruze as Jim Norton, the reporter; Sidney Bracy as Hargreave, also as the butler; Marguerite Snow as a Russian adventuress, the Countess Olga; Frank Farrington as Braine, leader of the gang, together with the late Florence LaBadie as Florence, Hargreave's daughter, and Irving Cummings as a special representative of the Black Hundred. Particularly pleasing is the work of Florence LaBadie, and an effective scene is the one in which she jumps from an ocean-going steamship."

ARTICLE, "Advertising Aids for Busy Managers" column, The Moving Picture World, June 29, 1918:

"THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERY. The Randolph Film Corporation presents a new version of this famous serial story condensed into six acts of vivid action, the very essence of the longer story. Cast: Hargreave (Sidney Bracy), Countess Olga (Marguerite Snow), Florence (Florence LaBadie), Jim Norton (James Cruze), gang leader (Mitchell Lewis).

"The story: When Hargreave severs his connection with the Russian secret organization with which he became associated in his youth, members plan to wreak vengeance upon him. The fact that he has drawn a million dollars from a number of banks comes to the attention of the crooks, and they contrive to secure the money. Through her acquaintance with Florence, the daughter of Hargreave, Countess Olga, in league with the crooks, is then able to give them invaluable aid, and they eventually gain entrance to the Hargreave house. A search for the money begins, but Hargreave outwits them and escapes in a balloon. The gangsters, unable to locate the money, try to get Florence in their power, intending to force her to reveal the hiding place. Again they are frustrated, but still persist in their determination to come into the possession of the million. A rapid succession of thrilling and most exciting events follow, with the perplexing problem cleared up in the climax.

"Feature Sidney Bracy as Hargreave and Florence LaBadie as Florence.... Stunt suggestions: Most of your patrons will probably recall this very successful Thanhouser serial. Lay emphasis on the fact that the entire action has been condensed into six reels and call attention to the cast of favorites. For two or three days before other advertising send a man out late at night to chalk '$1,000,000' on sidewalks and fences or use as teaser snipes. The chalkwork will be best if you can fix it with the police. Get out a throwaway with 'If you had a million dollars' in large type following with 'would it bother you as much as it did Hargreave in The Million Dollar Mystery?' Advertising Aids: Two one-sheets, two three-sheets, one six-sheet, one six-sheet, one twenty-four-sheet cut, 12-page circular magazine. Lobby displays."

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