Volume II: Filmography

THE BUTTERFLY BUG

August 2, 1914 (Sunday)

Length: 1 reel (940 feet)

Character: Comedy

Cast: Harry Blakemore (Professor Nimrod Notty), Fan Bourke (Mrs. Sophia Notty), Leland Benham (the mischievous boy), Ethyle Cooke (his mother), Helen Badgley ("demon child"), Doris Farrington (another "demon child"), Reenie Farrington (maid)

Note: Ethyle Cooke is erroneously assigned two roles in this film, the mother of the mischievous boy and also, incorrectly, as a "demon child," in a cast listing in Reel Life, July 25, 1914.

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, July 25, 1914:

"Professor Notty, the naturalist, attempts to sort out his bugs and other flora and fauna, but his wife, the neighbors, the ashman, the children in the attic, the iceman, a housecleaning maid and a boy with a reflecting mirror torment him into a frenzy and he is unable to work. Professor Notty rushes from garret to cellar in his flight to obtain peace and finally runs madly to the local insane asylum and demands admission. He is chased by his family and friends, however, and after he is saved from incarceration is repaid by seeing his tormentors punished."

REVIEW, The Bioscope, November 19, 1914:

"The amusing adventures of a portly old entomologist, whose wild endeavours to find a peaceful retreat where he may mount his specimens provide the major part of the humour. The story is rather long drawn out and is not played quite fast enough at times. Otherwise it is quite excellent in its way."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, August 15, 1914:

"Professor Notty, the 'butterfly bug,' has a hard time finding a fine place in his home in which to classify his collection of butterflies. This situation has been used a few times already and also is rather slight. There is little substance to this offering."

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