Volume II: Filmography

COALS OF FIRE

British release title: REINSTATED

January 16, 1914 (Friday)

Length: 1 reel (1,015 feet)

Character: Drama

Cast: Harry Benham (Blodgett, a rich young businessman), Helen Badgley (his motherless child), Riley Chamberlin (Emmet Moore, Blodgett's clerk), Leland Benham (Larrie, Moore's grandson), Lila Chester (Helen's nurse), George Barnes (Gary, a storekeeper), Mrs. Badgley (Jane), N.S. Woods (butler), Marie Eline

Notes: 1. This film was shown as part of the entertainment at the Thanhouser Ball in January 1914, to observe the first anniversary of the January 13, 1913 Thanhouser studio fire. 2. Although Marie Eline was in the film, her name was omitted from some publicity, including the cast listing published in Reel Life, January 10, 1914.

SYNOPSIS, The Cinema, March 12, 1914:

"He was a harsh and unfeeling boss, and ruled those under him with a rod of iron. His little daughter, however, was very much loved by him. In a fit of anger one day he dismissed the old clerk, who had given the best years of his life in his service, and consequently the old man faced starvation together with his grandson. He sought in vain for other employment. Straying away from her nurse one morning, the employer's little daughter became confused and would have been run down by a motor-car but for the prompt action of the old clerk's grandson, who, incidentally, was out on the streets selling newspapers to help grandfather. Finding that the little girl had lost herself, he took her to their own poverty-stricken rooms and fed her. The old man came home, recognized his former employer's child, and treated her harshly. The little girl eventually won him over, and, after a bitter struggle, he sent the grandson to inform the father of the child's whereabouts. The nurse by this time had returned home and reported that the little girl was missing. The father spent an anxious time until the messenger arrived to say his daughter was safe. His humiliation was complete when he saw who it was that had taken care of his little darling. He offered the old man money, which was proudly refused, and finally apologized for his cruelty, and asked the old clerk to commence work with him the next day. The picture closes, showing the old man and grandson celebrating; the former on the flute and the latter accompanying with the violin."

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, January 10, 1914:

"Blodgett succeeded in business simply by being heartless. He ground down all opposition. There was only one person whose wishes stood above his will - and she was his motherless baby girl, Helen. Emmet Moore, a clerk, many years in Blodgett's employ, is discharged, merely because he is getting old - and instead of being able to support his little grandson, tables are turned, and the two become dependent upon the pennies the youngster earns by selling newspapers. One day, Moore comes into their shabby quarters to find Larrie feeding a little girl whom he has come across, lost on the streets. Moore recognizes Helen Blodgett, and angrily tells 'the kid' to 'get out.' His frowns, some way, and the new tone of voice - for she has never known anything but kindness - intensely amuse the child, who climbs into the old man's lap and announces that she likes him. His rage vanishes - he cares devotedly for little Helen, while Larrie is sent to notify her father. When Blodgett comes, and sees the good turn his discharged clerk has done him, he is stricken with remorse. Moore receives back his old position - and his employer assures him that he has a life job."

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, January 18, 1914:

"As the name implies the return of good for evil is the subject of this drama. It is well acted and attractive. The playing of the children's parts is particularly effective. A heartless business man discharges an old clerk for no reason but his age. Later the wealthy man's little baby girl wanders away and is found by the grandson of the old clerk. At first the old man, in his bitterness, was tempted to revenge himself through the little child. Then his better nature triumphed, and he sent his grandson for the little girl's father. The rich man was so shamed by the situation that he restored the old man to his position."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, January 17, 1914:

"A pleasing story with a slight plot, in which Riley Chamberlin appears as an old man discharged unjustly. The Thanhouser Kidlet, daughter of his employer, is the means of restoring the old man to his place. A pretty story with a touch of heart interest in it."

REVIEW, The New York Dramatic Mirror, January 14, 1914:

"This is a one-reel playlet with the Thanhouser Kid and Kidlet as the centers of attraction. The plot of the play is adequate, but antediluvian. There is a pleasing amount of pathos in it. There is very little interest in the offering due to its age. The hasty-minded boss discharges his old clerk, and the latter is the means of saving the little girl of the hasty-minded man, so that the old clerk is taken back into the employ of the hasty-minded man. Throughout, the Kid and Kidlet put in the only touching scenes in the play."

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