Volume II: Filmography

THE CARRIAGE OF DEATH

April 29, 1916 (Saturday)

Length: 3 reels

Character: Drama; Than-O-Play

Scenario: Clinton H. Stagg

Cast: Marion Swayne (Rose, a peasant girl), Bert Delaney (Pedro, her lover), Morgan Jones (her uncle), William Burt (Signor), Gladys Dore (Signora Bella, Signor's daughter), Virginia Lee

Location: Jacksonville, Florida

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, April 22, 1916:

"Lives of the Italian peasants who till the fields in the vales of the Alps have always formed excellent material for writers of romance. Dramatists also have shown the fiery loves of these simple peasant folk in drama and opera. It is fitting, then, that the silent drama should also touch upon the famous vendetta. Such a theme has been ably adapted in the Thanhouser-Mutual three-part romantic drama, The Carriage of Death, featuring Marion Swayne in the role of an Italian peasant girl. Rose, according to the story, lost her parents when a mere child. She sought refuge with her uncle, who forced her to work in the fields rather than hire a man. One day she was seen by Signora Bella, the daughter of the wealthiest landowner in the valley, who befriends Rose and forces her uncle to take her out of the fields. The uncle seeks revenge and, with an accomplice, he plans to capture her and hold her for ransom. Rose overhears the plot and runs to warn the Signora. She is too late, and both girls fall into the bandit's hands. Rose's uncle demands a ransom. The girls are placed in a carriage and taken to a mountain fastness. After a series of thrilling adventures they are rescued through the assistance of Pedro, Rose's youthful sweetheart. The bandits are given their just punishment, and the Signora sees to it that Rose will never have to till the fields again. Marion Swayne makes a charming Rose, and her work is sure to win the admiration of all who see this picture. She is ably supported by Bert Delaney, Morgan Jones and Gladys Dore."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, May 6, 1916:

"A three-reel subject, by Clinton H. Stagg. The story concerns a Mexican girl, beloved by a young farmer, who helps her in the fields when her lazy father is drinking at the inn. The settings and costuming are good, but the characterizations, while pleasing enough, are hardly of the Mexican type. The plot is well worthwhile as it comes up to a strong climax. The father has given orders to shoot the daughter and senorita if they try to escape in the carriage. Later he himself becomes the victims of his own assassins. The plot is stronger than the average offerings, in spite of some faults of presentation."

Note: This reviewer thought Thanhouser was trying to portray Mexicans and missed the mark.

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