Volume II: Filmography Volume II: Filmography
(Falstaff)
July 9, 1915 (Friday)
Length: 1 reel (1,000 feet)
Character: Comedy
Director: Arthur Ellery
Scenario: Lloyd F. Lonergan
Cast: Harry Benham (Bob, the college boy; Madame Blanche), Riley Chamberlin (Simon Southwick, his guardian, a rheumatic old man), Mrs. S. Stevens (Mrs. Southwick), Mignon Anderson (Betty, the stenographer), Ray Johnston (clerk), Edward N. Hoyt (clerk), Morgan Jones, Ethel Jewett
Notes: 1. As evidenced by a print preserved in The National Film Archive (London), the character identified in publicity as Simon Southwick was known in the film as Adolphus H. Gray (per his signature shown on a check, and a subtitle). Mrs. Southwick in the film was known as Mrs. Susan B. Gray (per the name on a check made out to her by her husband). Madame Blanche's beauty salon was located at 193 Westt 23rd Street (city not stated) according to a letter, but at 198 West 23rd according to a sign posted on a tree and another sign carried by a "sandwich man." 2. A schedule printed in the July 3, 1915 issue of The Moving Picture World gave an incorrect release date of July 2, 1915 for this film.
ADVERTISEMENT, Reel Life, July 3, 1915:
"Riley Chamberlin plays a grouchy, rheumatic old duffer who needs an operation on his bank account. Harry Benham becomes a beautiful Madame, and Mignon Anderson takes a jolly good part in the jolly work - and it's all free from horseplay."
ARTICLE, (unattributed clipping in the Robinson Locke Collection), July 1915:
"Ever hear of a man looking at herself? That is what Harry Benham, one of the most popular of Thanhouser (Mutual) players, is doing in the accompanying photograph, which depicts a scene from Mme. Blanche, Beauty Doctor, a hilarious Falstaff comedy recently released in the Mutual program. When the cast of Mme. Blanche, Beauty Doctor was being selected, Benham was surprised to learn that he had been picked to impersonate a woman. Emerging from his dressing room after a provoking struggle with the complex garment, it was seen that he had it on backward. Nevertheless, it fitted him perfectly. Ethel Jewett, one of the Thanhouser stars, is a sympathetic soul, and having considerable knowledge of female attire, volunteered her services. Benham, except when he had to walk, carried out the part to perfection."
SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, July 3, 1915:
"Bob, just out of college, is accused by his crusty old guardian of being an idler, without any business sense. 'However, I'll give you a chance to make good,' Simon Southwick tells him. 'Whatever you earn during the next week shall be the salary I will pay you for the next three years.' Betty, Southwick's stenographer, confides to Bob that her employer's vulnerable spot is his wife. It is from her that he gets his money. Also, she is extremely foolish about her personal appearance. The young folks fit up a beauty parlor, and Mrs. Southwick comes to consult Madame Blanche. The college boy, disguised in wig and gown, carries off his role to perfection, and Betty, transformed from a wrinkled, old woman to a young and blooming girl before Mrs. Southwick's very eyes, is testimonial enough. The rich old lady cheerfully pays the sum which Bob demands, $500 in advance. Not long afterward, Mme. Blanche and her establishment disappear. The guardian keeps his promise to the boy. Nor does he regret it, for Bob soon proves his exceptional ability in the business. He marries Betty and becomes junior partner in the firm."
REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, July 17, 1915:
"A prettily pictured comedy number featuring Harry Benham, Riley Chamberlin, Mignon Anderson, and others. The nephew poses as a female beauty doctor in order to raise badly needed funds. This is entertaining, though slight in plot."
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Copyright © 1995 Q. David Bowers. All Rights Reserved.