US 1910-1912 Full

Although she is ardently wooed by Seth, Lavinia refuses to marry while her mother, who is aged and infirm, lives. When her younger sister is married, Seth is still more persistent, but she just as persistently holds to her resolution to stand by her mother. Seth gets angry and goes to sea. The vessel in which he sails is wrecked and he manages to save himself and a little boy whose parents with all the others on board, are lost. Lavinia reads a newspaper account of the wreck saying that all hands on the ship were lost. She grieves for the loss of her lover and her mind is ever with those on the deep and she always keeps a light in the window which looks out upon the sea as a sort of a memoriam and a beacon to all who sail upon its waters. Twenty years have passed and many changes have taken place; Lavinia's mother has died; Seth has been prosperous and is now a retired captain; the child he saved from the wreck, he has adopted as his own son. Lavinia's younger sister has a family and her daughter, now a young lady, comes to live with her aunt Lavinia to be as a companion and daughter to her. Seth, about this time, longs to go back to the scenes of his boyhood and see how the old place looks; he takes his son with him. He recognizes Lavinia's old home and all its pleasant associations and thinks he would like to see who lives there now. He finds his old sweetheart still in possession, makes himself known, they renew the old flame and agree to get married. Lavinia's niece now appears with Seth's boy and they too are very fond of each other. Seth and Lavinia are now married and living at the old home where their early courting was done.

The first scene opens on the stage of the Comedy Theater, showing a part of the wings and Claudine Durand's dressing room. The curtain has fallen on the last act and the star, assisted by her maid, is dressing for the street when Richard Grey, an admirer of Mlle. Durand, enters and is admitted to Claudine's dressing room. The actress greets him effusively, and after a short love scene Grey proposes and is accepted. The scene changes to three years later. The two have married and their marriage has been blessed with a wee girl. The little domestic scene ushers in the first hint of Claudine's dissatisfaction with her life and her longing to return to the stage. Richard has noted his wife's melancholy and trembling reproaches her for her lack of interest in her home and child. Claudine tells her husband that the lure of the stage is too great and that she must go back to it. Ten years have elapsed and we find Claudine in her dressing room at the Comedy Theater, when she is interrupted by a call boy who hands her a card bearing Richard's name. In a moment she wavers and tells the boy to admit the gentleman. Richard has brought with him the little girl, now a young lady of thirteen, who but faintly remembers her mother, and who for a moment clings to her father. Then there is an embrace in which the pent-up love of the mother breaks down all restraint in Claudine as she takes the little one to her heart. The scene is interrupted by the call boy who calls "Overture," and Claudine responds, without even a parting word of good-bye. Richard and the little girl leave the theater. A few weeks later shows another scene on the stage of the Comedy Theater, with Claudine at her mirror in her dressing room. A messenger boy enters and hands Mlle. Durand a telegram which the woman hastily opens and then sinks fainting into her chair. In a moment, however, she has recovered and seizing her wraps runs madly from the room, the message gripped in her hand. The stage manager stops her as she runs to the door; there is a moment's altercation during which Claudine shows him the message: "Come home at once. Your baby is dying," and it is signed by Richard. The manager implores her to continue until the close of the performance, but Claudine is deaf to his entreaties and entering a waiting cab is driven away. At home the little girl is just approaching the crisis of the fever and the doctor and Richard are waiting with sinking hearts for the bare hope of retaining the little white soul. It is then that Claudine enters and runs sobbing to her child, but the doctor holds her hack until the child stirs and slowly opens her eyes. With a faint smile she holds out her arms to her mother, who sinks on her knees and lifts her eyes in thanks.

Jack Logan has a sweetheart, a rival. Joe Kane and a dog. Jack and Joe have a quarrel over the girl and the fight between them is prevented by some cowboys. Joe falls over a cliff and is badly hurt. His faithful dog goes down to him, takes his hat and runs back to the home of the girl. Joe enters and is accused of throwing Jack over the cliff. A chase follows led by the dog. Joe gets there first and Jack explains the accident.

The bachelor is in love with a widow but is too bashful to propose. He writes a letter to the widow asking her to marry him. He forgets to mail the letter. Meantime he calls on his friend Thompson, who enjoys the blessings of seven children and a quarrelsome wife. The bachelor is treated to an exhibition of the worst phases of married life and he is glad that he did not mail his proposal. Imagine his feelings when he arrives home and finds that his valet has mailed the letter. He dashes after the carrier who is taking it from the box and a funny chase follows without result. Then the bachelor sneaks through a window and gets the letter. Saved, he is congratulating himself when a letter arrives from the widow proposing to him. He is caught and resigns himself to his fate. In the last scene the bachelor does some funny stunts as a captured husband.

Two American ladies touring through Germany happen on this little Spreewald girl and offer her a job in America. She consults with Hans, her sweetheart, and though he objects at first, ho soon consents when Freda tells him of the large amount of money she is to earn and to bring back to him. So Freda goes to America, where she gets her job as a nurse girl. But it is apparent that she has higher ambitions, for she is learning: the language. Quick to learn and full of ambition. Freda goes to night school and learns stenography and typewriting. Soon she has a good job and has thoroughly ingratiated herself with her employer. One day he proposes marriage. Freda, however, thinks that she is bound in honor to Hans on the other side, and says "No" to her employer and starts back to Germany: but she has become so thoroughly Americanized that she is a much better American than a German, and when she finds that Hans has been courting another German lassie she decides that America is good enough for her, and back she goes to her old job in the office, which, however, she does not hold very long, for her employer again makes his offer of marriage and is this time heartily accepted.

A drunken husband and an idle son are not very pleasant features of a home, and although such is the sad condition in the home of Mrs. Barton, it does not lessen her love for either of them. It is hard for the poor mother, but a godsend for the boy, who soon makes himself the favorite cowboy of one of the ranch owners in the west, and, incidentally, is brought beneath the gentle influence of the ranchman's daughter. Conditions at home remain the same until the long expected fatality occurs, the husband being brought home dead. Without husband and apparently a lost son, the Widow Barton drinks deeply of the cup of sorrow. This, however, is mitigated by the arrival of a special delivery letter from her son, enclosing money with which she is entreated to come to him, together with the father. The boy makes preparations to receive his parents. The father of Maud is a widower and a drinking man, and although he admires his favorite cowboy, he becomes angered if the boy refuses to drink with him. The day of the arrival of the widow in town, her son is at the saloon with the ranchman, both in a drunken state. Maud, fearing that such is the case, hurries to the home prepared by the boy for his mother, and finds her there, weeping. Learning the whereabouts of her son, the widow hastens to the saloon, in time to dash the glasses from the hands of the ranchman and her son. Realizing his culpability, the boy takes the vow on his knees before his mother to never touch another drop. Affected and surprised, the ranchman follows suit, and in the course of time is assured of her hand.

Tim Scowles has the automobile fever bad, and when his rich uncle writes him that he has decided to forgive him for marrying against his wishes and that he is sending him a horseless carriage, his joy knows bounds. He stops at the stores on Automobile Row and looks the cars over, and when he sleeps he can dream of nothing but speeding in a fine car, and does not awake until struggling in the hands of a bicycle policeman. In anticipation he borrows a friend's car, with the result that in his inexperience it runs away with him through miles of country, and after many incidents that must be seen on the screen to be enjoyed, he is hurled through the air as the machine explodes and falls to the ground severely hurt. Taken home, he is in a few weeks convalescent, when one day Bridget comes and tells him the horseless carriage is in the garage. What sort or make of carriage it was we will not disclose, but it certainly was not what he expected.

There was joy in the Leighton household for a message had just been received that John was coming home. John had said in his message that something great had happened, that he was bringing a grand surprise for her and little Ethel. When Captain Leighton's ship, Marie, came into port many old friends wore there to greet him. Before going home the boys insisted on drinking so they all repaired to a nearby saloon. Every man demanded his privilege of buying and soon tongues began to wag as the liquor flowed. Then the captain told the boys the story of the sudden death of an old pirate whom he had once befriended and how he could reach the place where he had buried a fortune. To prove the assertion, the captain produced a leather bag from an inner pocket and opening it spread a handful of pearls and rubies, unmindful of the three men who sat at a table nearby. Bill Sykes had a record. He had spent the greater part of his life in prison. He would follow the old captain and await his chance. Of course, Bill's pals were declared in on the prize. He started home but never reached there until they carried his body to the grief-stricken wife and daughter, dead. Then the police started on a still hunt for the man who committed the murder. Dan Denton, detective, was assigned to the case and he was not long in finding evidence against Bill Sykes and his pals. A newsboy had seen the crime committed and had given him descriptions of the perpetrators. Sykes drank harder than ever. He could see Captain Leighton everywhere he looked. He needed courage to get away without creating suspicion and he figured rum would supply the courage. After one of his debauches in his own room, he sank into a troubled sleep. When he heard a voice, Captain Leighton's voice, commanding him to rise, he opened his eyes and there before him stood the old sea captain with that awful wound on his forehead, his face white as death. Somehow, he managed to escape from the room, and ran to a saloon. There he met his pals and told them of his vision. Dan, who had impersonated the old captain, quietly followed and placed the suspects under arrest. Then they were given a taste of the dread "Third Degree." Sykes' pals weakened first and laid the crime to him. Then the detectives worked on him. When they heard his full confession Sykes went to pieces. Weakened by liquor and the dread of capture his system could not withstand the grueling of the headquarters torture and the added thought of his penalty. When they tried to lead him to his cell he collapsed. Bill Sykes had cheated the gallows.

Bill Rodney was an ideal father, when sober, but as Jess very curtly observed, he was seldom sober. Indeed, it was this fact which caused Mrs. Harmon to look with disfavor upon Walter's prospective bride, so she explained in her letter to the girl. When Walter appeared, Jess placed this letter before him; then, calling her brother Jack, together the young people went over the situation and decided upon a plan of action which they hoped would thoroughly frighten and cure and old man. Hurrying to the sitting-room, they quickly sprinkled the floor with whiskey, then overturning the furniture and disheveling their hair, each grasped a bottle and waited. Ere long Bill Rodney hove into sight. Instantly there came a yell and a volley of blank cartridges from the sitting-room. But the old man had simply time enough to put his head in at the door and observe his son and daughter in what he supposed to be a thoroughly intoxicated condition, when he was grasped by one of the boys and helped through the door. From the steps, upon which he landed in a sober but somewhat dazed condition, be was hustled off to the nearest tree and securely tied with a strong rope, then his three tormentors proved their good marksmanship by deliberately breaking the bottles placed on his head and in either hand; after which they hastened to the barn, mounted their horses and galloped off for the saloon. Sooner or later Bill would show up there and they meant to be prepared for him. True enough, no sooner had the hired man released the distracted father, than he ran to the saloon. The trio, however, had been too quick for him. Already they had made arrangements to pay for what damages might occur, and now, with Jess in a side room, the boys were making things lively at the bar, when Bill appeared and was forced to foot the bill. But the worst was yet to come. Reaching his sitting-room door, he heard cries for help and upon opening it found the Prohibitionist whom he had scoffed earlier ill the week, kneeling in the center of the room pitiably begging for his life, while Jess, Jack and Walter danced wildly around him, flourishing their revolvers. The Prohibitionist, with a sly wink at the terrible trio, suggested that they might be induced to sign the pledge if Mr. Rodney would set the example. Eagerly the unhappy father consented, promising never again to touch the demon drink.

Harry loved Betty, and vice versa, but Harry was fearfully bashful. No matter how he tried, he never could muster up sufficient courage to propose, despite the fact that Betty always endeavored to help him out. An idea! He writes his proposal, and invents a sentimental code of signals. The letter reads: "If you will accept me, wear red roses; if you are in doubt, the pink. If you do not love me and reject me, wear the white." He then repairs to the florist's and purchases the three shades of roses, dispatching them by messenger to his lady's residence. The messenger, however, is a dime novel fiend, and while engrossed in the thrills of a harrowing story, loses the box of flowers which are picked up by another boy. A policeman sees this boy with the box of flowers, and as he cannot give a clear account he runs him in. In the meantime, the novel reader is in despair over his loss until a modern Good Samaritan seeing the boy in tears offers to help him when he hears his tale of woe. This well-meant generosity, however, twists the romance, for he procures white roses only. Of course. Betty thinking only of Harry, wears them. Harry takes it for a hint to "beat it," and for revenge decides to marry his cook. The real box arrives at the station house, where is encountered a wise judge, aye! a modern Solomon, who after investigating the details of the case, sends the officer with the flowers to the address given on the box and letter, thus averting a heart tragedy.

Grandpa Turner lived happily with his daughter Ella and her husband, Robert Fuller. Little Nell, his grandchild, was his inseparable companion, the love between them being touching and beautiful. Ella is finally taken sick and dies, and after a short lapse of time, Robert Fuller marries again. The new wife is a hard hearted young creature, who makes things very unpleasant for Grandpa and Nell, but especially for Grandpa. She deeply resents the fact that he, the first wife's father, is allowed to remain under the same roof with herself. She begins her persecutions by forbidding him to smoke and taking his pipe and tobacco away from him, throws them out of the window. As soon as her stepmother leaves the house with her father, Nell, her grandfather's little champion, climbs out of the window and finding his smoking outfit, returns it to him and he enjoys another smoke. But, alas, the stepmother returns and catching him a second time, she takes the pipe and tobacco and throws them in the stove. She then orders him to go up to an attic room and remain there. After the old man has tottered up the stairs, the husband and wife sit down and enjoy themselves, the former taking out a cigarette, which the wife lights for him. In the meantime, little Nell, gets down her little hoard of pennies and going to the grocery store, buys Grandpa a nice big paper of tobacco and returning with it, presents it to him, much to his delight. But the excitement and exertion, coupled with the harsh treatment, have been too much for the enfeebled old man's heart and he suddenly sinks back in his chair and his spirit goes to join his daughter. Nell rushes downstairs and informs her father and stepmother of the sad occurrence and they hastily run upstairs and behold the terrible result of their heartlessness. And then the new wife suffers the pangs of remorse, while the husband sees her at last in her true colors. The next day, poor little Nell sorrowfully returns the tobacco to the grocer, "'Cause Grandpa'll need it no more." Later, she is seen plucking flowers and decorating his grave, while she meditates upon what she will do to her father when he grows old and feeble,

Clara Blakeman receives a letter from a girlfriend in France stating that she has arranged for her to meet Count de Barbes who is about to visit America. The friend also sends a photograph of the Count. She notifies Ralph Dexmore, her lover, that their engagement is broken. Ralph loses no time in calling on Clara for an explanation, but her ears are closed to his pleadings. In the meantime Clara's father has learned of the Count's visit and of the effect it has had on his daughter. He much prefers a plain American to a foreign Count as a son-in-law and conceives an idea whereby he can "sidetrack" the Count. He informs Ralph of his scheme and the young man enters into it. Taking a photograph of the Count, the father and Ralph go to a costumer where Ralph is "made up" to look like the Count. The bogus Count now call. He is received graciously by Clara and wins her. The father gives his consent with remarkable alacrity, much to the girl's delight. A hasty wedding is arranged and a few friends invited. After the ceremony the father steps forward, removes the disguise from the "Count" and says to his daughter, "Your husband is nothing more than a true American citizen." Just at that moment a servant brings in a card announcing the real Count de Barbes, who is shown in. His appearance and actions afford considerable amusement for the guests. The Count loses no time in getting down on his knees and pleading for the girl's love. But Clara's father takes a hand. He calls the servants and the poor Count is thrown out of the house bodily.

The designing mother strongly advises her son to look about for a wife with money, and let money play the important factor in the affair rather than love. The mother receives a letter which seems ominous, as it reads: "Dear Friend, I am sending my niece, whom you have never seen, to you for a little recreation. As you know, she is an heiress now, so kindly gratify her every whim." The very chance, so when the young lady arrives with her maid the boy immediately gets busy. The heiress, of course, is wise, and realizes this is no place for her to recreate. However, she feels she must deliver a jolt to this family of fortune hunters, and hence she writes the following letter: "Friend, By chance I learned that the heiress at your house changed places with her maid before arriving. If you are after her money you had better make up to the maid. A Friend." The son at once shifts his attentions to the maid and the niece allows him to go far enough to embarrass himself upon the disclosure when she enters the room with her grip which she peremptorily orders the maid to take, giving the crestfallen mother and son the laugh.

With the snow-capped peaks of old Mt. Shasta frowning down upon the little Indian village at its base, wild wood and shagged undergrowth hid from view the glories of the outer world, Black Bear and his squaw Red Bird disagree over the drinking of rum and the squaw is wounded when she tries to destroy the bottle. An old trapper hearing the shot, runs to the spot from which the sound came, finds Red Bird wounded and carries her off to the army post, where the kind old Colonel Beverly and his daughter order her cared for, and she is finally nursed back to life and becomes very friendly to the Colonel and devoted to his daughter. One day the Colonel receives a letter stating that his son, who is attached to another post under Colonel Fremont, is seriously ill and that in his delirium he calls for his sister, asking that she be sent as soon as possible. The old trapper offers to guide her there, and Red Bird begs to accompany them and is allowed to do so. The start is made on horseback, riding through the forest. Indians are seen following them. Black Bear has started an uprising for revenge. While the trapper swims across the lake for a canoe to get the girls across the Colonel's daughter is carried away and the guide captured. The faithful Red Bird escapes and steals into the Indian village at night and releases the guide, who effects also the escape of the Colonel's daughter, making a hasty retreat in the little boat at hand. They are followed by the irate Indians, and finally, almost exhausted, reach the desert plains, only to find flames sweeping everything before. Famished for want of water and worn from fatigue Red Bird dies and leaves old Joe the trapper and Helen to push on alone to the post. After many days of weary travel they reach the post. Fremont rescues and cares for them and the son survives to see his sister and dies in her arms.

Tells the story of an over-affectionate wife, who, being brought up in a rural environment, finds herself mistress of her own home, with a handsome, debonair husband. Her love for him is so great that she cannot refrain from kissing and coddling him at every opportunity. Her affection becomes a bore to him, so he invents a scheme by which he finds relief from her too-loving onslaughts. He induces his companion, an elderly doctor, to write him a letter saying that in his nervous condition he requires absolute rest, and advises that they occupy separate apartments. The wife tearfully accepts the conditions. The husband procures a dummy figure of himself. This he places carefully in his bed, and leaves the room by a window which opens on his lawn. The wife, looking through the keyhole of his bedroom, can distinguish the figure, and contents herself in the belief that it is that of her husband, while he, taking advantage of her innocence, is out for the night, having a good time with his friends and the doctor. Everything is moving along smoothly for the two husbands, until the doctor's wife takes a hand and unravels the story by discovering the dummy and exposing the gay deceivers.

Jimmy Matthews, masquerading under the title of Hon. Percival Montmarency, is a young blood with aspirations for a marriage to a wealthy young lady. He is a handsome young fellow, and he finds in the daughter of the wealthy and aristocratic Mr. Vanastorbilt an easy conquest. Through her importunities to her father Jimmy (otherwise the Hon. Percy), is invited to a swell function at their residence in an aristocratic neighborhood. Jimmy, after partaking of his meal, prepared by himself in his humble light-housekeeping room, starts in to make his toilet. While dressing he places the photo of the much-enamored Mabel Vanastorbilt on a chair and rehearses a love scene with it. He finishes his toilet, starts to go: when he reaches the door he remembers refuse from his meal, which is on the table. He returns, makes a neat parcel, ties it with a string, and places it under his arm. He is next seen leaving the house. His efforts to relieve himself of the parcel are balked at every turn, until at last he begins to arouse the suspicions of the passers-by. A policeman's attentions are directed to his strange actions and he follows Jimmy. Jimmy, in fright and apprehension, starts to run: the policeman follows. The policeman is joined by the others, until finally Jimmy is caught, the patrol wagon is summoned, and Jimmy is taken before the desk sergeant at headquarters and searched. The contents of the parcel are disclosed, the sergeant being of a kindly disposition, sympathizes with Jimmy's discomfiture, calls a taxi and sends him on his way to pay court to the lady of his dreams.

Documentary showing the aftermath of the explosion at New York's Grand Central power house on December 19, 1910 where ten people were killed instantly, and 150 people were injured. The documentary showed shots of the ruined building, and of a demolished auto and trolley car in the vicinity of the blast.

Based on the story by Charles Dickens: Ebenezer Scrooge is well known for his harsh, miserly ways, until he is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, and then by three other spirits.