Volume II: Filmography

A STAR REBORN

September 10, 1912 (Tuesday)

Length: 1 reel

Character: Drama

Cast: Florence LaBadie (former actress), Howard Kyle (unemployed Shakespeare actor), William Russell (millionaire)

Note: The September 7, 1912 issue of The Moving Picture News carried a story by Virginia West, expanded from the scenario of this film.

ADVERTISEMENT, The Moving Picture World, September 7, 1912:

"A great Shakespearean actor gives the stage-struck girl a chance, when all had rebuffed her. She 'makes good' and is finally won from the stage by a young millionaire. Years after, she discovers that Shakespearean plays are passé, and that the actor who had befriended her is penniless. She and her husband, backed by their wealth, rescue him from his plight and soon he is a-starring again."

SYNOPSIS, The Bioscope, February 20, 1913

"A Shakespearean 'star' actor gives a poor girl a chance on the stage, and she eventually marries a millionaire. Some years afterwards she learns that the former 'star' is in difficulties, and she arranges a plan with her husband, whereby the actor's fortunes may be remade without the 'star' having any knowledge of the people 'behind the scenes.'"

SYNOPSIS, The Moving Picture World, September 7, 1912:

"'Nothing for you today' was what the girl heard in each theatrical office and agency where she applied for an engagement. Weary and despairing, she at last called a theatre where a Shakespearean star was rehearsing. The doorkeeper rudely rebuffed her, but fortunately the star's attention was attracted, and he went up and talked to her. The actor was a good-hearted chap, and his sympathy was aroused. He 'tried her out,' and as she made good, a regular position was given her. She did not become his leading lady, because she did not have the ability. As an actress she was just ordinary, but she was sweet and pretty and won the heart of a most presentable young millionaire, who was extremely happy when she consented to become his bride. Some years later, on her return from a long trip abroad, the former actress was shocked to learn that the star was in financial difficulties. The public no longer cared for Shakespeare.

"The woman called on her one-time employer and found him starving in a garret. Although he tried to conceal the facts from her, and she was not deceived. Knowing him well she realized he would not accept charity, but something had to be done, and she vigorously told her husband so. The husband had plenty of money and was willing to help his wife. They sent for a theatrical manager and asked him to send the star out in Shakespearean productions. He was willing when they agreed to meet the deficit. An open air performance of Twelfth Night was arranged to be given on the grounds of a country club. The one-time star appeared as Malvolio, made a great hit, and happily signed a contract. He never knew to whom he owed his fortune. Actor-like, he honestly believed that his merit had finally been discovered. Arm and arm with his new manager, the shabby little man strutted off, explaining just what should be done and how. Husband and wife watched them."

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, September 15, 1912:

"This is another fine example of what can be done by writing a story around a topical event, and making that story so entertaining, so consistent and logical that the event itself seems to be but a part of the production like any other scene. An out of door performance of a Shakespearean play is utilized with the spectators on the side lines and the open air stage set in a beautiful bower of trees before a spacious lawn. In the beginning of the story a poor girl applies to a theatrical manager for work, going from agencies to theatres, but all in vain, until a Shakespearean star finally gives her work. Through this she meets a millionaire whom she marries. Years pass by and the star becomes impoverished through lack of opportunities. The young wife hears of this and visits him in his poor quarters. She persuades her husband to back the star in a revival of Shakespeare, the first engagement to be given out of doors. A fashionable place is secured, the performance is given, the star scores a big hit, the manager signs him at once, and he believes it to be due to his wonderful ability, not realizing that it is the girl he had befriended years before she had aided him. The play is well acted, the part of the star being most ably played by Howard Kyle. The stage direction calls for special praise as do the photography and the scenes utilized."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture News, September 14, 1912:

"The story of an old actor, who through the sweet offices of a young woman whom he once befriended, again comes into his own. This story is well produced and is filled throughout with the beautiful sentiment of helpfulness."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, September 21, 1912: This review is reprinted in the narrative section of the present work.

REVIEW, The New York Dramatic Mirror, September 11, 1912:

"Here is a really delightful film in every way except for the construction, which only goes to prove how necessary dramatic construction is to a film. In this instance at the beginning, it is too much a series of illustrated pictures by titles in the beginning, while the fact that they went to Europe and returned had nothing do with the story proper. Later when the film begins the action proper, it fails in its dramatic evolution because there is no direct clash of interests and the humanity of the situation is not aptly brought out. It is, however, delightfully well put on with most interesting and well chosen backgrounds including an outdoor theatre, which makes an effective scene, while others are in like proportion. The acting also is delightfully smooth and polished. The girl obtains a stage engagement only to leave it, when she receives a proposal from a wealthy friend of the manager. Years later she reads in the paper that her friend of the stage could not obtain a position, as Shakespearean actors are no longer in demand. With her husband they find him in poverty, and he is asked to play the role of Malvolio at an open air performance at the country club. He does so, and by some means not explained in the action, a great difficulty of the film throughout, the performance is instrumental in obtaining for him a star position on the stage."

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