Volume II: Filmography

THE MASTER HAND

(Princess)

September 18, 1914 (Friday)

Length: 1 reel (981 feet)

Character: Drama

Director: Arthur Ellery

Scenario: Philip Lonergan

Cast: Reenie Farrington (Clara), Morgan Jones (Clara's father), Boyd Marshall (Wilson, Clara's lover), Claude Payton (chief of detectives), Edward N. Hoyt (the butler), Marie Rainford

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, September 12, 1914:

"Wilson, a young detective, falls in love with Clara Rich and receives her father's consent to their marriage. Wilson is trying to track down 'the mysterious hand' to which many robberies in the town are imputed, little dreaming that the burglar is none other than the father of the girl he loves. Quinn, a pal of Rich, jealous of Wilson, gives away the secret at police headquarters, and also reveals to the horrified Clara her father's vocation. An inspector bids Wilson come with him to arrest the thief. In Rich's apartment, however, Clara contrives to throw her arms about her lover and hold him while her father makes his escape, locking the door behind him. The fugitive is headed off below by the inspector, and Wilson, putting several bullets through the lock, manages to wrench the door open. When he and Clara reach the hall downstairs, they find the inspector unhurt, but Rich lies dead with Wilson's bullet in his heart. The young detective takes the grief-stricken girl in his arms."

REVIEW, The Bioscope, January 7, 1915:

"A very effective little drama, telling a familiar story in a very novel, vivid and natural manner. The plot deals with the love of a young detective for a girl whose father, unknown to her, is a notorious criminal. This situation is developed to an exciting climax, wherein the father meets with a fatal accident and the young people are left free to marry. The film is admirably acted by Miss Renee Farrington, Mr. Boyd Marshall and Mr. Nolan Gane. An excellent production."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, September 26, 1914:

"The story of a well-dressed crook, who is first seen stealing jewels in a man's house. The young detective meets Betty [sic], the crook's daughter, who, of course, does not know her father's profession. This plot has been used before and is here handled only fairly well. The photography is good."

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