Volume II: Filmography

A HATFUL OF TROUBLE

December 27, 1914 (Sunday)

Length: 1 reel (859 feet)

Character: Comedy-drama

Director: Howell Hansel

Cast: Frank Farrington (Wendall Wiggins), Fan Bourke (Wiggins' wife), Marion Fairbanks (Dorothy, his daughter), Ethyle Cooke (Effie Linton), Mignon Anderson (minor role)

Note: The title appeared as A Hat Full of Trouble in a review in The Moving Picture World, February 2, 1915, and in some other notices.

ARTICLE, The New Rochelle Pioneer, October 31, 1914:

"Howell Hansel, The Million Dollar Mystery director, is directing one of his own farces, A Hat Full of Trouble, in which his comedy sense is sure to start the risibilities of audiences who view Thanhouser films."

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, December 19, 1914:

"Having left his wife and daughter at the seaside, Wendall Wiggins, on his return to town, breaks loose. He meets on the avenue Miss Effie Linton, a showily dressed young lady, whom he invites to dine at a popular restaurant. Under the influence of the wine, Wiggins presents Miss Linton with his card, and their friendship is rising rapidly when two young men of her acquaintance come up and carry the young lady away with them. Wiggins and his umbrella leave the café in disgust. On the steps he collides with a stout gentleman, sending both their hats to the sidewalk. Capturing and putting on the fat man's hat, which sets down well over his ears, Wiggins makes his escape. The next day his wife and daughter return to find Wiggins still in bed in his evening clothes, his umbrella over his head. While he is trying to explain the situation, Effie Linton enters, which makes things yet more embarrassing, and the fat man comes to claim his hat. The truant husband at last patches up matters by presenting his wife with a beautiful new chapeau."

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, December 20, 1914:

"While his wife is at the seaside hubby has a gay time. A pretty girl, another gentleman's hat, and trouble play an important part when wifey returns suddenly. He bribes her by buying her a beautiful new chapeau."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, January 2, 1915:

"In this number Frank Farrington appears as a husband of sporty inclinations. He comes home intoxicated, and the scene in which the room actually goes around is very funny. The photography is good and for a production of this kind this is acceptable and quite amusing."

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