Volume II: Filmography

THE BENEVOLENCE OF CONDUCTOR 786

Working title: CONDUCTOR 786

October 9, 1914 (Friday)

Length: 1 reel (663 feet this section) (split with Lizards of the Desert at the end)

Character: Comedy-drama

Cast: Riley Chamberlin (Conductor 786), Helen Badgley (Baby Helen), Marion and Madeline Fairbanks (the twins), Fan Bourke (mother of the twins), Joe Sparks (the superintendent), J.S. Murray (Joe, an employee), Janet Henry, Fritz Thayer, Mr. R. Abrahams, Nolan Gane, Ethel Jewett

Notes: 1. An advertisement for the Mutual Program in the September 26, 1914 issue of Reel Life called this a "comedy," but the designation was in error. 2. The New Rochelle Pioneer, September 5, 1914, discussed this film: "Riley Chamberlin has completed another of those humorous 'conductor' pictures, under the title Conductor 786, and he is becoming funnier with each release." Although this film was not titled Conductor 786 by the time it was released, that title was used for two separate Thanhouser films, one released on August 23, 1912, and the other issued as a Falstaff film on June 17, 1916.

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, October 3, 1914:

"Conductor 786 rescues Baby Helen, who has wandered onto the electric tracks. He takes her home, and discovers that she has twin sisters and a mother, the latter very ill with consumption. The doctor tells the conductor that if Mrs. Smith could go to the mountains there would be some hope of her recovery. Not long after, the superintendent of the road gives the old conductor a banquet to celebrate his 25th year in the company's employ. The men call on him for a speech. He asks to be excused for a few minutes, and soon returns with the twins and Helen. Then he tells the men about the children's mother and appeals to them for help. A generous collection is taken up, and two days later Conductor 786 puts the Smith family on board the Adirondack Express."

REVIEW, The Bioscope, February 4, 1915:

"A slight but pretty little film consisting mainly of a very finished character study by Mr. Riley Chamberlin as a benevolent tram conductor, who collects from his comrades sufficient money to send a poor widow and her children for a much-needed holiday in the mountains. The film includes several very effective settings, and it is quite good so far as it goes."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, October 24, 1914:

"On the same reel with Lizards of the Desert. Simple and charming and full of real heart interest, also a decided thrill when the conductor saves the child from being run over by the trolley. This last incident has been worked up in a very novel and pleasing way."

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