Volume II: Filmography

THE PATRIOT

April 8, 1913 (Tuesday)

Length: 1 reel

Character: Political drama

Cast: Eugene Moore (the patriot), Carey L. Hastings (his wife), Mignon Anderson (his daughter), Harry Benham (the suitor), Woodrow Wilson (incoming president; inauguration subject), William Howard Taft (outgoing president; inauguration subject)

Location: Washington, D.C., with some scenes filmed during the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson on March 4, 1913 (see earlier listings under the film, Inauguration Ceremonies, released March 5, 1913)

SYNOPSIS, The Moving Picture World, April 12, 1913:

The storekeeper was the biggest man in Cranberry Center, and his neighbors were convinced that he would be a political hero someday. He dutifully attended all conventions of his party, was on terms of personal friendship with the legislative candidates (during campaigns), and each day became more and more convinced that the fate of the republic rested heavily upon his shoulders. When his party assumed power in Washington, after many long years, the idol of Cranberry Center decided that his services were needed at the nation's capital. His wife protested that it would be far better for him to remain at home and attend the business, but he overruled her. He was absolutely convinced that the new president needed him, so he determined to sacrifice himself upon the altar of his country. A delegation of his admiring neighbors cheered at him as he departed, but the cheers were not echoed when he arrived in Washington. He found that city plumb full of patriots who were trying to save the country, and nobody seemed to want the big man from Cranberry Center. At first he had fondly hoped to be urged to accept a cabinet position, but as weeks went on he would have taken a place as janitor had it been offered. His money ran out, and appeals to his wife for more brought no response. She was convinced that he was squandering their savings upon 'pesky politicians,' and so contented herself with advising him to come home. He did, but was compelled to walk. There was no crowd out to greet him when he limped into Cranberry Center over the ties. Everybody was in at the storekeeper's home, as he discovered later. He arrived just in time to witness the conclusion of a marriage ceremony that united his daughter to a young farmer. In days gone by the storekeeper had doubted the idea of such an alliance, being determined that the daughter should be the bride of a statesman. Now, wiser by sad experience, he uttered no protest, and at the same time solemnly swore that he would cease being a patriot and devote all of his attention to the mercantile business.

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, April 13, 1913:

Timely indeed is this comedy drama, and typical of thousands of characters the country over. A country storekeeper is a political factor at home. Leastwise he believes himself to be, and devotes all of his spare time - and he makes much of such hours - in debating the fate of his nation. And so, after the election, he thought it time that he sacrificed his future at home and went to the capital and there mingled with the great ones, to be hailed as the savior of the land. He was given a big send-off in the village, and arrived in Washington to find himself unknown and unheard of. He never secured anything, either as a position or a favor, and at last was forced to bike it home, there to find that his daughter had married the young farmer he had been opposed to for years, and he had to grin and bear it. The play has much common sense underlying its story.

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, April 19, 1913:

A rather interesting story, built up principally to show the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson in Washington. The country storekeeper, after forbidding his daughter's marriage, goes to the inauguration. He loses his pocketbook and rides home in a boxcar to come just in time to be present at the wedding. A fairly good offering.

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