Volume II: Filmography

BENEATH THE COAT OF A BUTLER

November 21, 1915 (Sunday)

Length: 1 reel (1,004 feet)

Character: Drama

Cast: Grace DeCarlton (Margery Leigh, the girl), Charles Compton (Sidney Stone, her sweetheart), Morgan Jones (the butler), Ernest Howard

Note: The title is listed as Beneath the Coat of the Butler in some notices.

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, November 20, 1915:

"The day Sidney Stone graduates from college he proposes marriage to Margery Leigh. Margery pleads for time to think over everything. Stone learns from his guardian a secret which the latter has been withholding from him many years. His father lives, he is told, and is a butler, employed by a wealthy man in the city. The boy, his social aspirations crushed, writes Margery the truth. He tells her that now he cannot hope to marry her, and that he is going to find his father who, from his childhood has provided for his a bringing up and education. The meeting with his father in servant's livery is a shock to the sensitive young man, but he assures Stone the elder that he will immediately get employment and make a home for him in his old age. The pathetic letter from Sidney causes Margery to realize how deeply she loves him. She wins over her parents, and her father goes with her to find Stone and his son. The mettle of both young people proved, the 'butler' exchanges meaningful glances with his wealthy employer. The latter says, 'Permit me to introduce Mr. Simon Rolph, one of the largest lumber owners in the country.' The 'butler's subservient manner vanishes. 'Wealth often spoils the sons of rich men,' explains Sidney's father. 'I was resolved that when my son reached maturity I should know whether he was a snob or a man. And now,' he added, smiling, 'I have satisfied myself also of the loyalty of my future daughter-in-law.'"

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, November 20, 1915:

"This contains a good plot, in which a young college graduate learns that he is the son of a butler. He gives up his girl and remains true to his father; then the girl in turn renounces her social position for him. Father later proves to be a millionaire instead of a butler. This is well constructed and enjoyable."

# # #