Volume II: Filmography

KEEPING A HUSBAND

November 8, 1914 (Sunday)

Length: 1 reel (986 feet)

Character: Comedy-drama

Cast: Muriel Ostriche (Beth Ray, the girl), Ernest C. Warde (John Strong, willing victim), Carey L. Hastings (Caddie, John Strong's wife), Mrs. Benham (Mrs. Wells), Ethyle Cooke, Frank Woods, George Hoffmeister

ADVERTISEMENT, The Moving Picture World, November 7, 1914:

"A decidedly clever drama of home life, showing how a wife's strategy makes it possible for her to retain her husband's love in spite of severe temptations. The photoplay is very capably enacted by Muriel Ostriche, Carey L. Hastings, and Ernest C. Warde."

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, October 24, 1914:

"On the morning of her silver wedding anniversary, Mrs. Strong writes in her diary: 'Married 25 years today, and I still love my husband.' At breakfast there are flowers and gifts from John, and the day opens happily. Later, the daughter of an old friend arrives for a promised visit. She is a very attractive thing, and at the lawn party, given by a neighbor, Miss Ray and John Strong become obviously devoted. Mrs. Strong goes home early. 'Good husbands are hard to find,' she says to herself, 'I am going to keep mine.' When Strong and the youthful visitor return, their philanderings in the hall are interrupted by the entrance of the wife. The next moment they realized that she does not see them, but is gliding past with eyes fixed, like one walking in her sleep. Strong goes to their room greatly concerned. Caddie pretends to be asleep. He bends over her, chafes her hands, and listens anxiously to her breathing. Then the maid knocks with a note from Miss Ray. Mrs. Strong awakes. The message reads: 'Thanks for a delightful visit. But I am homesick for the city and am leaving by the first train in the morning.' Mrs. Strong puts her arms around the husband whom she had loved for 25 years. And, as he buries his face in her shoulder, she kisses the top of his head and smiles wisely."

REVIEW, The Bioscope, February 18, 1915:

"Although possessing only a very slight plot, this little comedy is quite pleasantly acted and is sufficiently entertaining as a whole. It is admirably staged, and there are some fine lighting and photographic effects."

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, November 8, 1914:

"Having been married 25 years and still being in love with her husband, a wife determines to keep him out of temptation. Accordingly she sends the witty young daughter of an old friend, who has come to visit them, back to the city."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, November 21, 1914:

"A domestic problem is presented in this number when the pretty young girl attracts the elderly married man. His wife pretends to be a sleepwalker and intrudes upon them, bringing the husband to his senses. This is handled with a fair degree of interest. Some of the photography is not very clear."

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