Volume II: Filmography

THE BELLE OF THE SCHOOL

(Princess)

August 21, 1914 (Friday)

Length: 1 reel (1,005 feet)

Character: Comedy-drama

Director: Arthur Ellery

Scenario: Philip Lonergan

Cast: Muriel Ostriche (as Muriel), Boyd Marshall (as Boyd), Reenie Farrington (Anna Price), Marie Rainford (Mrs. Elting)

Notes: 1. The title was listed erroneously as The Bell of the School in a schedule printed in The Moving Picture World, August 15, 1914. 2. Role names vary: Reel Life, August 15, 1914, stated that Muriel Ostriche played the role of Ruth Graham and that Boyd Marshall essayed the role of Ralph Elting; another character is called Anna Price in some notices and Alice Price in others.

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, August 15, 1914:

"Ralph Elting, a young civil engineer, falls in love with Ruth Graham, the prettiest and most popular girl in his mother's private school. Alice Price, a poor girl who is given free board and tuition, envying the pretty clothes of the rich girls steals money from the principal's desk. Her guilt is discovered by Ruth who, in her efforts to shield Alice, is herself caught restoring the money and is expelled. No one believes in her innocence except Alice and Ralph Elting. When the real culprit at length confesses, Ruth is exonerated."

REVIEW, The Bioscope, December 3, 1914:

"A pretty schoolgirls' comedy, pleasantly acted by some very charming young women, including Muriel Ostriche and Renee Farrington. It deals with a mysterious theft at a school (a somewhat unconventional establishment, by the way, according to English ideas), and the sacrifice made by an innocent girl who takes the guilt upon her shoulders to save her friend. Although a slightly artificial story, it holds one's interest and is not insipid. Miss Farrington's 'make-up' is rather too heavy in some of the close views."

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, August 16, 1914:

"A rich young girl tries to shield a poor chum for stealing and is herself expelled. Alice at length confesses and Ruth is exonerated."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, September 4, 1914:

"A girl's school family nicely pictured and containing a bevy of attractive misses. The girl thief turns over some money to Muriel, who is expelled as a result. Later the real thief confesses and everybody is forgiven. Boyd Marshall is the hero. A bright well-pictured offering."

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