Volume II: Filmography

THE WEAKLING

May 2, 1916 (Tuesday)

Length: 2 reels

Character: Drama

Scenario: Lloyd F. Lonergan

Cast: Harris Gordon (the weakling), Barbara Gilroy (the girl), Louise Emerald Bates (the woman), Thomas A. Curran (the bully), Maude Howson Mickler

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, April 29, 1915:

"Cowardice is a characteristic which psychologists have tried to explain innumerable times without offering any lucid explanation concerning the mental processes which makes one afraid. The world has little use and no respect for the coward, but there are hundreds of cases where a change in environment would make a hero out of a craven. The principal figure in the Thanhouser-Mutual two-part psychological drama, The Weakling, was a coward from early childhood. An important event in his life, which furnishes the denouement of this intensely interesting photoplay, brought out his real character and made a new man of him. An unusual cast of players were engaged for this production. Among the principals are Harris Gordon, Barbara Gilroy, Louise Emerald Bates and Thomas A. Curran.

"In a little country village, according to the story, two boys grew up together - one a domineering bully, and the other a quiet, meek youngster. The latter was continually tormented - at play, in school and at work. As a result an abject fear grew up in the heart of the weakling - an intangible terror of the bully and his acts became a part of the life of the boy. As men the torture continued. The weakling, in an effort to escape the evil menace, moved into another section of the country. Soon after the girl came into his life. The weakling fell in love with her, but was afraid to confess his affection. Later the bully came to the peaceful village, and boarded with the girl's mother. Impressed with the young woman the bully determined to win her. Tauntingly, he told the weakling that he was going to take the girl away with him. The boy objected, reminding him that he was married. Despite threats, the weakling tried to warn the girl. After he had gone, the bully explained to the girl that the young man was a fugitive from justice. Believing that her loved one was in danger of arrest, she agreed to elope with the bully. But at the moment of triumph he was unexpectedly balked. The weakling had returned, but he was a different man. He advanced toward the bully. Bully aimed at the boy, but he fearlessly knocked the gun from the other's hand, and ordered him to leave that part of the country forever. The girl had seen all from the window, and hurried downstairs to greet him."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, May 13, 1916:

"A two-reel subject by Lloyd Lonergan, featuring Harris Gordon, Barbara Gilroy, and Thomas Curran. This takes the familiar theme of a weakling and a bully and makes a story of strong appeal out of it. The former, who has been imposed on by the bully all his life, rebels when the honor of the girl he loves is threatened. He faces the revolver in the hands of the bully and breaks him down by an exhibition of moral force. The scenes are taken chiefly in a small town. The number is better than average."

# # #