Volume I: Narrative History

Chapter 7 (1914): Zudora Begins

The first episode of the new serial was screened on Monday, November 23, 1914, a week after the ending of The Million Dollar Mystery. Early episodes were directed by Frederick Sullivan, who was later succeeded by Howell Hansel. Drawing from a story written by Daniel Carson Goodman, the scenarios for the first 10 episodes were crafted by Lloyd F. Lonergan, who was succeeded in the task by Francis Worcester Doughty, a writer of popular fiction stories.

The Morning Telegraph, October 18, 1914, told of the beginning:

The Mystic Message of the Spotted Collar, the first episode of Zudora, gives an intimation of the mysticism of the forthcoming Thanhouser serial. Dr. Daniel Carson Goodman, the author, has woven into the plot every possible thread of imagery. The vision in the secret chamber where Hassam Ali sees his past life in the smoke from an incense filled brazier offers a splendid insight into this weird Oriental character.

There is a letter which figures in Zudora, the appearance of which upon the screen must be that of an aged document. Director Frederick Sullivan searched New York City for paper of the required size, quality and age. He was unsuccessful. Finally he obtained the back portion of a will filed in the Delaware County Court House in 1876 by an early settler whose property reverted to the county because of a felony committed. A special ink was necessary in the writing of this letter, as the fabric of the paper was so impoverished that every care was taken that the picture value of the old parchment might not be impaired.

The Moving Picture World reviewed the episode:

The first issue of Thanhouser's big serial, Zudora, was shown at the factory in New Rochelle last week. The Mystic Message of the Spotted Collar is the title of the initial number. Beginning November 23 the subjects will be released weekly for 20 weeks. Each picture will consist of two parts. The story is from the pen of Harold MacGrath. Daniel Carson Goodman has translated MacGrath's work for the screen. Note

Before viewing the first number of the serial in the new projection room at the Thanhouser factory the Moving Picture World man was escorted about the big motion picture play plant by Jay Cairns, chief of the publicity department. Also among the fellow-guests of the hospitable exploiter of Thanhouser quality were Arthur James and Merritt Crawford, the Reel Life fellows who keep the world at large well posted on the doings of the Mutual Film Corporation.

Dr. Goodman took the party into the older studio, where are the elaborate settings for the home of Hassam Ali, the mystic detective who figures so prominently in the Zudora series. The visitors pass through secret doors - that is, all with the exception of Crawford; they view the teakwood furniture which adorns the apartment as well as the draperies; admire the Oriental god which Dr. Goodman had procured in Chinatown, and the great mystic globe, and with unanimity expressed the opinion that Dr. Goodman has most successfully established his atmosphere.

Later there was an interesting half hour watching [assistant] Director Durkin as he patiently and gently guided little Helen Badgley through the intricate path of a dissolve. Sidney Bracy in a box-like structure was posing for an introductory bit in which form one character he was to be dissolved into another costume. It was Helen's duty to open the door, talk to the butler, stand, rigid, and after the change of garb by Mr. Bracy to greet him. It was all revelatory of the infinite time and patience required to photograph a scene which on the screen is but a flash: The Mystic Message of the Spotted Collar.

The principals in the cast of Zudora are Marguerite Snow, James Cruze, and Harry Benham. Miss Snow is Zudora, a girl of 18 in love with John Storm, portrayed by Mr. Benham. Mr. Cruze is Hassam Ali, the guardian of Zudora. Hassam Ali conceals from the girl the fact that according to the will of her father she is at her 18th birthday to come into possession of the fabulously wealthy Zudora mine. He refuses to permit her to marry Storm. He does, however, so far relent as to concede that if Zudora shall successfully resolve his next 20 detective cases she may marry the man of her choice.

Zudora makes a most auspicious beginning. Mr. Cruze is most convincing as the mystic who is as skillful in the uncovering of other's crimes as he is in concealing his own. Miss Snow in this number has a strong part, one requiring fine judgment and artistry that the melodramatic may be avoided. She most acceptably fulfills the demands of her role. Mr. Benham as the lawyer lover falsely accused and nearly convicted of causing the death of his professional opponent is strong and likable. The supporting cast is large and competent.

Dr. Goodman has made free use of "back construction." So, too, has he in his big situations maintained suspense by means of cut-backs and ingenious double exposures. We have referred to the interior of Hassam Ali's home. His courtroom scene is likewise notable. We are told that it is an actual setting, easily procured by the Thanhouser Company in New Rochelle, as it seems the townspeople have given the company chiefs the key of the city. If the succeeding numbers of Zudora match the initial release, and the intimation is strong that they will be even better, the serial should be highly popular.