Volume II: Filmography

THE LAST CONCERT

May 3, 1915 (Monday)

Length: 4 reels

Character: Drama; Mutual Masterpicture

Directors: Ellis F. Glickman under the supervision of David H. Thompson

Cast: Ellis F. Glickman (the old musician), Minnie Berlin (Edna), Nolan Gane, Arthur Bauer, Moses H. Harriman, Lucy Payton

Notes: 1. This film was released as a Mutual Masterpicture, with very little publicity given to it. Mutual Masterpictures, of four- and five-reel length, were made by the various divisions of Mutual and released under the Mutual Program. It was intended that no specific release date be assigned to these films, so that they should not become "dated." 2. The picture had been completed about a year before its release, as an article in The New York Dramatic Mirror, May 27, 1914, noted: "Charles J. Hite, president of the Thanhouser Film Corporation, has made it possible for Ellis F. Glickman, the Jewish character actor, to be seen in silent drama. There has just been produced at the New Rochelle studio a four-reel picture by Mr. Glickman, called The Last Concert. Mr. Glickman has played more than 800 character parts on the speaking stage, being at one time leading man for Bertha Kalich. While Mr. Glickman may have been the producer (director), it was David H. Thompson, of the Thanhouser studio, who oversaw the production. The Last Concert is Mr. Glickman's second appearance in the silent drama, his previous story being Repentance. Minnie Berlin plays opposite Mr. Glickman, being supportive in a cast headed by Nolan Gane, Thanhouser's juvenile." 3. Actor Moses H. Harriman was listed as W.H. Harriman in one account.

ARTICLE, The Evening Standard (New Rochelle), April 15, 1914:

"David M. Thompson, who for some time has been an assistant director and later cast director for the Thanhouser motion picture concern, has just been made a full fledged director and will take command of his own company for the first time next Monday. His first production is to be a feature picture with Ellis Glickman, a well known German actor, in the principal role."

ARTICLE, Reel Life, May 1, 1915:

"Announcement is made of a new Mutual feature, The Last Concert, a four-part drama, produced at the Thanhouser studio by Ellis F. Glickman, which will be released at all Mutual exchanges beginning May 3, 1915. Mr. Glickman, who fills the role of the old musician around whom the intensely human story is woven, is supported by an unusually strong cast. Minnie Berlin, noted as one of the most beautiful actresses on the speaking stage today, is seen in the character of his daughter, while Nolan Gane, Arthur Bauer, W.H. Harriman and Lucy Payton are included in the list of principals.

"The story is a fascinating one, its very sweetness and simplicity giving it a charm unusual in a photoplay and in the part of the venerable musician Mr. Glickman reminds one of David Warfield in The Music Master, giving to it a graphic realism, which is distinctly impressive. From first to last The Last Concert abounds in gripping situations not a few of which have a background of humor, withal they thrill and charm, and the finale comes in such an unexpected manner as to leave the audience momentarily spellbound. Unless all indications fail, The Last Concert should find favor with discriminating photoplay lovers everywhere."

ARTICLE, Reel Life, May 8, 1915:

"Ellis F. Glickman, producer and star of The Last Concert, a four-part Mutual feature from the Thanhouser plant, has given us an intensely moving performance in this latest screen success of his. He plays the part of the old musician whose simple, affectionate temperament forms the motif of this rare human symphony. Beautiful Minnie Berlin impersonates the daughter. The early scenes sparkle with humorous incident. Occasional touches of pathos serve merely to strike the keynote of the more serious strain which runs beneath the treble. And the ending is overwhelming in its unmixed appeal to the feelings. Mr. Glickman bending over his bass viola is a picture not to be easily forgotten. With his accomplished support, he has presented Mutual fans with a strong play in which the various leading character parts are thoroughly worthy of his own finished performance. The subject will appeal especially to music lovers."

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