Volume II: Filmography

WHEN SHE PLAYED BROADWAY

British release title: THE MANAGER'S MISTAKE

May 9, 1916 (Tuesday)

Length: 2 reels

Character: Drama

Scenario: Lloyd F. Lonergan

Cast: Gladys Hulette (the girl), Howard Mitchell (ranch owner), Daniel Leighton (backer of the show), Ernest Howard (stage manager), Hector Dion (the Mexican)

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, May 6, 1916:

"The screen has had more than its share of stories of stage life and intrigue, but Gladys Hulette brings new sympathy to the role of the actress who craves a career on Broadway. The story of this two-act Thanhouser-Mutual drama opens in the West, where the girl is working as a waitress in the only hotel in the town. At her table sat the rancher and an offensive drummer, who persisted in annoying the young woman. The rancher came to her assistance. After this incident the acquaintance of the two soon ripened into love. In due time the man proposed. The girl admitted that she loved him, but she was bound by the fascinations of the stage. The man pleaded in vain, for the girl had received an offer from a theatrical company that was certain to play in the great city. The show reached New York, where the girl soon came to hate the life of the stage. The backer of the organization fell in love with her, and persisted in forcing his obnoxious suit. She eluded him for a time, but finally one night he made his way into her dressing room.

"The young actress played that evening with a heavy heart, but her troubles were not at an end. The man who had annoyed her drank heavily and returned to the stage in an ugly temper. When she came off stage he struck her. Unknown to the girl, the man from the West witnessed the brutality to which the girl had been subjected. He leaped on the stage and compelled the brute to apologize. The ranchman was about to make his exit together with the girl when he saw three policemen rushing toward him. The fugitives were closely followed by the police, who saw them take a limousine. The policemen followed in another car. While turning a corner the couple jumped out of the machine and hid in a doorway. After the police had given up the chase, the two noticed that their shelter was the doorway of a minister's home, and the ever-ready Westerner, producing a license, suggested that they get married. She agreed."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, May 20, 1916:

"A two-reel subject, by Lloyd Lonergan, featuring Gladys Hulette, who proves very appealing in the leading role. Her cowboy admirer saves her from insult while she is acting as a waitress. Later she carries out her ambition to star on Broadway, and he again saves her, this time from the 'backer' of the play. Some of the scenes are theatrical, but this lends a spice of interest, as some of the situations would otherwise seem too familiar. The trapdoor, manipulated by the old stage hand, makes a pleasing feature. This strikes a good average in interest."

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