Volume II: Filmography

THE GRATITUDE OF CONDUCTOR 786

February 14, 1915 (Sunday)

Length: 1 reel (990 feet)

Character: Comedy-drama

Director: Nolan Gane

Scenario: Nolan Gane

Cast: Riley Chamberlin (Conductor 786), Arthur Bauer (the superintendent), Nolan Gane (Jack, the superintendent's son), Violette Franklin (Mary), John Lehnberg (her father)

Note: The attribution of the direction of this film to Nolan Gane is from a notice in Variety, February 6, 1915: "Nolan Gane, Thanhouser's boy director, is very proud of his forthcoming first release, The Gratitude of Conductor 786...."

ADVERTISEMENT, Reel Life, February 6, 1915:

"A delightful comedy-drama, brimful of bright contrasts, dealing with the experiences of a veteran street car conductor, a kindly, simple soul, whose chief aim in life is to do good to others. Riley Chamberlin, Nolan Gane, Arthur Bauer and other Thanhouser favorites are principals."

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, February 6, 1915:

"When Conductor 786 is fired because a woman, through her own carelessness, has fallen off the car, Jack, the superintendent's son, who has witnessed the accident, persuades his father to reinstate the old man. A little later Jack fails in an attempt to elope with Mary, and appeals to Conductor 786 in his trouble. The grateful conductor borrows for him the high-powered line auto. Together they succeed in getting Mary away from the house on the top of the auto. But her father is roused, and he and his chauffeur give chase. The young couple have no time to stop at the parson's, so they drive up to his window and he boards the auto. Discovering that a female witness is necessary they seize a woman at a window getting the night air, and place her also on the auto top. Then, traveling at the rate of sixty miles an hour, Jack and his sweetheart are married. The ceremony over, father is permitted to catch up. Conductor 786 effects the reconciliation of the superintendent with the runaway pair."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, February 20, 1915:

"A love story featuring an eloping couple. The lover takes the girl from her upper window on a trolley wire repair truck. Then they get the minister and a little witness and are married on the high platform of the truck. Just a little plot with a number of amusing moments."

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