Volume II: Filmography

BIG BROTHER BILL

April 18, 1915 (Sunday)

Length: 1 reel (1,012 feet)

Character: Comedy-drama

Directors: James Durkin, Arthur Ellery

Cast: Helen Badgley (Helen), Leland Benham (Jack), Jack Dowling/George Darling (Big Brother Bill), Phil Brady, Jack Dougherty, Jock Gironda, Nolan Gane, Arthur LeVien

Notes: 1. The New Rochelle Pioneer, December 5, 1914, stated that James Durkin was directing George Darling, a seven and one-half foot tall English giant, in a film. The same publication, issue of April 3, 1915, stated that George Dowling (sic), "the British giant," was working with Arthur LeVien in a film directed by Arthur Ellery. In Thanhouser credits, the part of Big Brother Bill was credited to Jack Dowling. The actor playing the part of Big Brother Bill was listed as Jack Dowling in Reel Life, April 3, 1915, and as Jack Darling in the same publication a week later. It is believed that George Dowling, George Darling, Jack Darling, and Jack Dowling were the same person. It is also believed that after Director James Durkin left Thanhouser in December 1914, the direction of the unfinished film was assumed by Arthur Ellery, who completed it. 2. This film was originally scheduled for release on February 7, 1915, and many trade schedules listed that date. 3. Jock (or "Jack") Gironda's name was misspelled as Jack "Jarondo" in Reel Life, January 30, 1915.

ARTICLE, The Morning Telegraph, April 11, 1915:

"Helen Badgley, Leland Benham and Jack Dowling provide the laughter and the tears that lend interest and feeling to the Thanhouser production, Big Brother Bill, designed for release in the Mutual programme. Helen is very fond of Jack because he always protects her, but when he has to lick Tim for teasing Helen and Tim threatens to bring his big brother Bill around Helen becomes scared. That night she dreams of Bill, who proves in her dreams to be an enormous giant whom her toy pistol even fails to frighten. The next day she advises her brother to run, but he takes off his coat, and when the real Bill appears, gives him a trouncing much to Helen's pride."

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, April 3, 1915:

"Jack, Helen's brother, never fails to defend her against bad boys who tease. When he slaps Tim for imposing on Helen, Jack is threatened with the dreadful things 'big brother Bill' will do to him, when Bill gets home next day. This doesn't scare Jack. But little Helen worries so that that night she dreams of a ferocious giant, called Bill, who is on the point of overpowering her brother - when she wakes up. Tim's champion proves no such Titan as Helen has dreamed, and Jack gives him the trouncing of his life."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, April 24, 1915:

"The Kidlet has a friend who is always talking about a big brother. She goes to sleep and dreams of him. This makes a very fair juvenile subject and is well photographed."

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