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Martha’s Romeo
(1915) United States of America
B&W : Short film
Directed by Charles Ransom
Cast: William Wadsworth [Waddy], Jessie Stevens [Martha], Arthur Housman [Artie]
Thomas A. Edison, Incorporated, production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Released 20 April 1915. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Comedy.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Martha was cheerful and stout, and from all appearances, would be able to cook appetizing meals and do a good day’s washing, but as far as the boarders in the house were concerned, she was unattractive. Satisfied that she should have a soulmate, Martha writes a letter to herself, purporting to be from a lawyer, advising her that she has been left $10,000 by a deceased brother. At the table the next morning, the men almost break their necks to fall into her favor. She treats them indifferently, stating that the man she marries must be a hero, like the show actor. Waddy, a brass band actor, sees his chance, after Martha has rejected all the rest. Attired in Shakespearean garb, he rushes out to get a minister. Dragging the minister after him, Waddy climbs a ladder to Martha’s window. At his approach, she is frightened and the watchdog, always on the lookout for prowlers, gets after the intruder. With characteristic tenacity, the dog holds on until Waddy succeeds in enveloping the animal in a coat and throwing it out of the window. The noise has awakened the rest of the boarders, who rush into the halls and through the various rooms. One unfortunate fellow is shot by an excited fellow-roomer. When the latter sees what he has done, he forthwith shoots his comrade back to life. In the meantime, Waddy has been recognized by Martha, who has taken a position on a chair. Waddy is busy kissing the hem of her skirt. She has accepted him. Just at the critical moment, the crowd of excited roomers butt in and there is general chaos. As the roomers start to congratulate Waddy, Martha makes the startling announcement that she wrote the letter to herself. Waddy is furious. To appease him, Martha tells him she has a few rocks in the bank with which to build a foundation, and shows him a bank book. A few dollars are better than none, so Waddy gladly accepts.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Actors
Listing updated: 10 December 2024.
References: Ball-Shakespeare pp. 217, 356, 388 : Website-IMDb.
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