Volume II: Filmography

OSCAR, THE OYSTER OPENER

(Falstaff)

March 7, 1916 (Tuesday)

Length: 1 reel (1,000 feet)

Character: Comedy

Scenario: Lloyd F. Lonergan

Cast: Frank E. McNish (Oscar), Claude Cooper (restauranteur), Elise Jordan (Mame)

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, March 4, 1916:

"Oscar, the oyster opener at Hizzlebooble's Oyster House, had one ambition. He wanted to find a pearl that would make his fortune. There was another jewel in Hizzlebooble's place. Her name was Mame. Both the oyster opener and the proprietor sought favor in her eyes. They also fought for it. When the smoke of battle cleared Oscar was the victor - but only because he threatened to foreclose the mortgage unless the proprietor stayed in his place. At the oyster bar Oscar tried to pat May's [sic] hand, but a ferocious oyster with no sentiment grabbed his finger. Oscar in his rage shook the oyster in the face of the proprietor. In a second Mr. Hizzlebooble was shrieking with pain. The fickle oyster had taken a fancy to the end of his nose. Then Mame actually screamed with excitement. Pete and Oscar gazed out at the street. Before the curb a big limousine had drawn up. An impressive looking man alighted, and started toward the door. Of course they didn't know that a punctured tire and the cold outside had sent the new customer. Mame became manager of ceremonies. She solicitously offered the new customer all the tempting things on the menu. Then another fight started because he asked Mame if she wanted to see the pearl ring he had brought for his sweetheart. And it fitted perfectly. At that instant, wrathful Oscar and the jealous proprietor arrived on the scene to murder the man who threatened to steal their jewel. Into two minds came a single thought. There was a place near at hand where pearls might be found. But again Oscar won. With the proprietor safely on the floor under his broad-soled shoe he opened oysters at a mad rate of speed to find the pearl.

"The customer and Mame became engrossed in a most interesting conversation. She did not see the richly-dressed woman who swept into the place with anger glinting her eyes. She grabbed the shoulder of the man who had the pearl. 'Where's that ring I told you to get from the jeweler?' she demanded. Then she saw it on Mame's finger and snatched it away. Mame fainted in her chair. The shattered dream had knocked her cold. Then, from the oyster counter came a cry of triumph. After twenty years the pearl oyster came to the hands of Oscar. With the shining gem held out he rushed to Mame. She saw it, gasped, and jumped to his arms. And when the proprietor staggered out to speak, they haughtily passed him by."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, March 11, 1916:

"A low comedy number. The chief scenes are taken in the Hizzlebooble Restaurant, and pie throwing and other troubles result from a rivalry over a buxom waitress. The oyster opener finds a pearl and gets the lady. This gets a few laughs and is free from offense."

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