Volume II: Filmography

WASHINGTON IN DANGER

Advertisement from The Moving Picture World, February 17, 1912.(F-290)

February 20, 1912 (Tuesday)

Length: 1 reel

Character: Drama

Cast: Marie Eline (the little black boy)

Note: The film was timed for release near the observance of George Washington's birthday, February 22nd.

ARTICLE, The Moving Picture News, February 10, 1912:

"This is a tale that is said to be based on fact, occurring in the vicinity of West Point while the Continental Army was encamped there. The great commander became acquainted with a landowner who was very profuse in his expressions of patriotism. Finally, the landowner invited Washington to visit him. Graciously, The Father of His Country accepted. The sympathies of the landowner, however, were really with King George, and he planned to turn the American commander over to some royal troops who would lay in wait. And the plan succeeded - almost. The film gives you the details and they are bedecked, we learn, in pretty winter settings."

SYNOPSIS, The Moving Picture News, February 10, 1912:

"Among the many anecdotes told of George Washington is one of how he escaped capture in the hands of a treacherous host. The American Army was encamped near West Point, the British forces being some distance away, and at the time there was a practical stoppage of hostilities. Many nearby landowners were patriots, and they delighted in a chance to entertain the gallant leader of the army of the people There was one man who was particularly profuse in his expressions of patriotism. He shall be nameless, for his descendants are still in New York State and are persons of standing and respectability. With this individual, whom Washington frankly trusted, he frequently dined, and to all appearances was the most welcome of visitors. It was therefore, with grief and incredulity that the general received word that his genial host was a traitor, and had plotted to betray Washington into the hands of the enemy. At that stage of the contest, the blow might have been fatal to the cause of liberty.

"The general's informant was a little darkey boy, a slave in the employ of the traitor, who by a happy chance had been able to overhear his master dickering with a British officer. His story sounded correct, but the fair-minded Washington hesitated to act upon it, knowing that to denounce the man, if he was innocent, meant his social ruin. According to the darkey, Washington was to be invited to dine with the traitor at 2 p.m., and while he was at the table, a British force was to suddenly appear and capture him. Circumstantial proof came in the shape of the invitation, but still Washington hesitated, and at last decided to make a thorough test before he acted. The general was on hand for his dinner engagement, but he was half an hour ahead of time, much to the surprise of his host. The latter detained Washington in conversation, waiting and watching for the soldiers to appear. Finally to his joy, they marched in. He dropped his deferential manner, and turning to Washington, said with a sneer, 'General, you are my prisoner.'

"'I believe not,' was Washington's stern reply. 'But, sir, I know you are mine. Arrest this traitor, officer.' At the general's command, the 'British' soldiers removed their military cloaks, and the traitor saw to his horror that they were Continentals, of the commander's bodyguard. 'I could not believe that he was a traitor,' the general said afterward to some of his officers, 'and I determined to give him opportunity to show that I was mistaken.' The general's ruse secured his safety, and the humble darkey, no longer a slave, lived many years, happy and well-to-do, and always commanded the high regard of The Father of His Country."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, March 2, 1912:

"A dramatic picture in which Washington is played as a benign and courtly gentleman. His kindness to a little Negro boy (the Thanhouser Kid) is the means of saving him from being captured by the British. For his would-be host was proposing to betray him, but the boy overheard and brought him word. This picture of General Washington is very commendable; it has dignity and worth and is quite sure to be liked generally. The Thanhouser Kid's little darkey is also very amusing and praiseworthy. The photographs are excellent and the background well chosen. The story is not at all convincing, is probably not at all historical. This alone keeps the picture from being either educational or a safe feature."

REVIEW, The New York Dramatic Mirror, February 28, 1912:

"The spirit of the times has been gracefully maintained in this extremely well imagined historical subject, that relates how Washington's kindness to a small Negro boy virtually saved his life and enabled him to take prisoner a strong ally to the British forces. Washington was in the habit of visiting at the supposed friend's house. In truth, they were only plotting to get him to dine and then fall upon him. Their plot was overheard by a little Negro boy, who informed Washington. He accepted the invitation to dine, but when the British soldiers were about to take him prisoner his own troops appeared, and turned the tables upon them. The production in its entirety has been remarkably well handled, the story is told with a clean graphic power and enacted and put on with much noteworthy detail. It makes an altogether superior subject marked by its simplicity and dignity. The character of Washington is satisfactorily impersonated."

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