Movies described in the book "Tinseltown: Murder, Morphine, and Madness at the Dawn of Hollywood" by William J. Mann
List activity
51 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
3 titles
- DirectorRollin S. SturgeonStarsWilliam Desmond TaylorEdith StoreyGeorge StanleyRobert Wainwright, arriving in the Argentine Republic to look after his father's business, finds himself in a hotbed of revolution. Stopping at the home of Don Arana, foreign minister to Rosas, the tyrant, he meets and falls in love with Bonita, Don Arana's niece. Bonita favors the rebels and through Wainwright's love for her, wins him to their cause. He communicates with General Urguiza, the rebel leader, but the messenger is intercepted by Tirzo, Rosas' spy. As Tirzo also aspires to the hand of Bonita, he schemes to get Wainwright out of the way, and insinuatingly suggests that he leave the country at once. Wainwright arranges for passage on the first ship leaving for the north, but contrives to escape, after the vessel leaves port. He returns to Don Arana's home, meets Bonita and acquaints her with his plan to join the rebels. She makes him a present of Mephisto, a wonderful horse, and suggests he change his name to Alvarez. Wainwright, now a rebel under the name of Captain Alvarez, so distinguishes himself that he becomes the scourge of the Federals. He is commissioned by General Urguiza to get in communication with Don Arana, who is secretly in sympathy with the rebels, and arrange for the capture of a convoy of a million in currency dispatched to the Federal forces. Captain Alvarez and Don Arana are arranging for the delivery of the convoy when the house is surrounded by the Federals through the work of Tirzo. Captain Alvarez is captured and led off a prisoner. Tirzo remains and promises Bonita to save Alvarez's life is she will marry him. She is about to consent when word comes that the prisoner has escaped. Alvarez returns to Bonita's home, fearful that harm has befallen her, and promises to return again at midnight to make sure of her further safety. Alvarez returns to his command, and captures the million in currency and is on his way to keep his midnight appointment with his sweetheart, when he hears Tirzo plotting with a band of gypsies to kidnap Bonita. Alvarez arrives at Don Arana's first, waits for Tirzo, who comes alone, and in a fight kills the spy whose body is carried off by the gypsies. A band of Federals intercept them, recognize Tirzo, and rush to Don Arana's house, where they capture Alvarez, and he is to be shot at sunrise. In the meantime the Federals are defeated and Rosas, the tyrant, flees for his life. Alvarez, by a trick, induces the Federals guarding him to flee. The rebel forces arrive opportunely, and all ends happily in a picture emblematic of the birth of a new republic."An actor before he was a director, Taylor was fired for unknown reasons soon after completing the lead role in Captain Alvarez (1914)."
- DirectorRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleStarsRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleMabel NormandAl St. JohnThe beach front house, where Fatty and Mabel live, has been "launched" out to sea by the villains. When Fatty and Mabel arise, they find the beds floating in a sea of water."Mabel was devastated by Arbuckle's troubles, remembering happier days when they made comedies for Mack Sennett, such as the famous "Fatty and Mabel Adrift" (1916)."
- DirectorUlysses DavisStarsWilliam Desmond TaylorPatricia PalmerGeorge CooperRichard arrives at Petersham to claim his inheritance papers from his guardian and uncle, J.B. Coke, Petersham's leading citizen. He meets Emily Burnay and learns that her father, the editor of the local paper, has many enemies on account of declaring that some of Petersham's prominent residents run an illicit still in the hills. Coke has confiscated Richard's securities and plans to conceal the fact. Richard and Burnay become friends and when the editor is warned to beware of the "Night Riders," Richard decides to stand by his friend. One night Coke steals a box supposed to contain Richard's securities. Richard stabs at him, misses him and cuts off a piece of Coke's sleeve. Coke escapes and Richard goes downstairs, awakens his uncle, who is feigning asleep, and tells him of the occurrence. Burnay is again warned by the "Night Riders." Emily and Richard, now lovers, gain the everlasting gratitude of Job Trainor, the village blacksmith, by caring for his little daughter when she is injured. The "Night Riders" capture Elmer, the editor's son and he recognizes among them a well-known citizen. They bind him and set him adrift on a raft. Richard discovers the boy's plight and rescues him. Bringing him to Burnays office, Richard finds the "Riders" have left a note, threatening to burn the place if another edition of the paper is published. Burnay declares his intention of getting out the next one in spite of their threats. The edition is printed and Richard distributes it. Emily asks Job's assistance and he gets together several friends, all fully armed, bringing them to Burnay's house at night. "The Night Riders," masked in long hoods, and led by Coke, ride up and demand that Burnay give up his press. On being refused, they start to fire the building. Burnay and his men then rush out and after a terrific fight, drive the "Riders" into full retreat. Coke and Richard grapple. The former's mask is torn off and he is about to shoot the astonished Richard when Job grasps his wrists. Later, Richard finds his uncle packing up the dagger-ripped coat. Coke then confesses and telling Richard the estate is now his, departs forever. Richard, tired out, sinks in a chair and dreams of what we all naturally anticipate, his happy marriage to Emily."Gibby starred with Taylor in "The Riders of Petersham" (1914)."