Volume II: Filmography Volume II: Filmography
January 14, 1913 (Tuesday)
Length: 1 reel
Character: Drama
Cast: James Cruze, Marie Eline (the little boy), Helen Badgley (the little girl)
Note: The film, A Mystery of Wall Street, released on February 11, 1913, was originally scheduled for this date.
ADVERTISEMENT, The Moving Picture World, January 11, 1913:
A touching story of 'Amateur Night.' Fine comedy is supplied by the poor acting of the amateurs and fine pathos is furnished by the fine photoplaying of the superb 'Thanhouser Stock.'
SYNOPSIS, The Moving Picture World, January 11, 1913:
When a member of a theatrical orchestra went 'on the road,' he left behind him in the big city his wife, their little boy and their baby girl. For some weeks he sent them money regularly, then all word from him ceased. The wife on inquiry learned that the company had disbanded in a Western city, and the members of it were presumably making their way East the best they could. The woman was very sickly, and practically unable to work, but her little son proved to be an energetic bread-winner, and secured free board by aiding his mother to do the work of a janitor, and at odd times sold newspapers. He always had his eye out for a chance to make money and one day determined that little sister was in a position to help them. A local theatre advertised 'Amateur Night,' with a cash prize for the winner, and the boy found no reason why the little girl should not bring the money home to mother. She was little, and cute, and could recite, therefore why should anyone doubt her success?
'Amateur Night' was a night of triumph for the little girl and the brother who believed in her. The other contestants were out-classed, while the audience rapturously greeted the baby girl who smiled at them so sweetly and lisped out a few words with a confident air. Even the members of the orchestra, ordinarily the most stolid of individuals, enjoyed her performance. One in particular, the first violin, was deeply affected. It was his first night at the theatre, and he was overcome with emotion, when he recognized in the tiniest of stars his little girl whom he had so vainly sought. There was a joyous reunion in the wings of the theatre, and a proud little girl went home to tell her mother that 'I got Papa and some shiny money for being a good girl.' It is needless to say that with the father's return their troubles of the family ceased, and the little girl was never again called upon to be leading lady on an amateur night.
REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, January 19, 1913:
This is a pathetic little photo play with a heart interest that is bound to make a strong appeal. The tiniest of stars is a little mite of a girl whose brother leads her to glory and success at an amateur night's entertainment at a local theatre. It all came about in this way: The children's father was a musician in a theatre orchestra, and when he went on the road for a tour he sent money home, as he always had done. But this particular season proved a bad one and he was stranded with the others and was unable to send anything home. Bad luck followed him and his family of three, and finally everything fell on the shoulders of his little boy, who did his best to support the mother and baby sister. One night he got a brilliant idea. His sister was clever and a baby. She would prove a big hit at the amateur's night entertainment which the theatre near their home was advertising so regularly. He took her there. She proved to be the tiniest of stars and easily won the big prize, but she won more, for her father was in the orchestra pit, and thus the reunion he had so longed for was brought about, and the separated family were together once more. No more delightfully staged play has been seen of late.
REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, January 25, 1913:
A very entertaining story of amateur night on the stage, with a touching scene at the close, where the family of the poor musician is reunited. The work of James Cruze and the children is good. The first part is a little long, but the pictures are all well taken.
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Copyright © 1995 Q. David Bowers. All Rights Reserved.