Volume II: Filmography

THE HOME OF SILENCE

(Princess)

January 29, 1915 (Friday)

Length: 1 reel

Character: Drama

Cast: Reenie Farrington (Alice Parker), George T. Welsh (her father), Boyd Marshall (Ralph Jenkins, convict), Justus D. Barnes (his father), John Reinhard (Warden Charles Sims), Charles S. Gould

Note: This film was listed incorrectly as a comedy in most printed schedules. It was characterized as a "romantic drama of prison life" and as a "thrilling drama of prison life" in Thanhouser advertising. A reading of the synopsis suggests it is indeed a drama.

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, January 23, 1915:

"Alice Parker becomes interested in a young convict who is serving a sentence for forgery in the prison of which her father is the deputy warden. Her regard for Ralph Jenkins is increased when he saves her father from the attack of a dangerous prisoner. Charles Sims, a politician, is made warden. He falls in love with Alice, who dares not repulse him for fear of losing her father his job. One day, however, Sims seizes her in his arms and tries to kiss her; and Jenkins, who happens to be on the scene, knocks him down. Sims orders Jenkins placed in solitary confinement and compels the deputy to resign. Several weeks later, Parker and his daughter read in the paper that Jenkins has been given an additional sentence for his 'unprovoked attack' upon Warden Sims and has been transferred to another prison. They determine to appeal to the governor. The governor grants the case a hearing, and Sims comes to the capitol, surrounded by numerous eloquent witnesses. The Parkers' hopes are turning to despair when Ralph Jenkins in citizen dress enters the room. The governor introduces his son, who had been committed to prison to study conditions from the inside. Sims is dismissed from his post; Parker is reinstated; and Alice Parker marries the governor's son."

REVIEW, The Morning Telegraph, January 24, 1915:

"Jenkins is committed to solitary confinement for his 'unprovoked attack' upon Sims, the new warden, when the latter seizes Alice in his arms. When she and her father appeal to the governor they find that Jenkins is his son who was committed to prison to study conditions."

# # #