The Global Archive For Devotees of The New York Peacock: Cult Guide

Dir: Kenean Buel

Ethel Andrews is interested in settlement work. Her father refuses to cooperate with her. Ethel kidnaps her five-year-old brother Archie and places him in a tenement as an object lesson. To make the kidnapping appear the work of criminals, Ethel sends her a father a note demanding $10,000. Gangsters learn of the plan. Andrews engages Madelyn Mack, a girl detective, to find his son. Madelyn unearths several clues, among which are fragments of a tin soldier belonging to Archie. She strongly suspects Ethel of being implicated in the matter. Ethel, regretting her rash act, goes back to the tenement to bring Archie home. The gangsters capture them both, and send a note to Andrews telling him his son and daughter are prisoners. One of the gangsters shoots the note into the Andrews' library with a sling shot, just as Madelyn is telling the father of her suspicions concerning Ethel. The note upsets her theories. Madelyn discovers that the paper on which the gangsters' note is written has contained powdered Jasco berry, an Oriental drug used in cigarette form. Later, she succeeds in tracing Ethel and Archie to the tenement, but finds them gone. Passing a crowd collected on a corner, Madelyn scents the odor of Jasco berry and finds the man who is smoking it. She follows him and discovers the cottage in the suburbs where Ethel and Archie have been taken. She slips into the house and enters the room where the two are confined. Discovering a telephone wire outside the window, Madelyn taps the line with a pocket phone and summons assistance. She is discovered by the gangsters, who are just about to break into the room when the police arrive. A desperate battle ensues, which ends in the capture of the kidnappers. Andrews presents Madelyn with a check for $10,000 for her splendid work. The detective gives the check to Ethel for settlement use, but Andrews, returning the check, smilingly donates the money himself.

Dir: Kenean Buel

This picture opens on the big, helpless humanity which is huddled together in Blossom Street, in the East Side's slums. The sweetest spirit of the thousands dwelling there is Anne, in love with Jimmy Graves, a man she knows is a crook. In warning Jimmy one night that the police are on his trail, she is caught in the maelstrom, brought into court with him and sentenced to jail. When she is released she plots revenge on the man who put her behind the bars, Judge Marcus, about to be nominated for a higher position in public service. Through a ruse, she obtains employment in the Marcus household. The Judge does not recognize in his wife's secretary the same woman who was once just a "poor, Blossom Street thing." He finds that he is rapidly falling in love with her. Anne is approached by a stool pigeon working for Marcus's political opponents, who are trying to fasten a scandal upon the Judge. Anne promises to aid them. She agrees to put him in a compromising position that evening, when witnesses will be on hand. Meantime, Jimmy Graves is released. He has been living through the years of his prison term, with the face of Anne always before him. He learns that the girl is at the Marcus home, and starts for the house. As the hour for the denouement draws near, Anne realizes she loves Marcus. He kisses her again and again. She notices the clock and pushes him from her just before the curtains are thrust back by the politicians and Mrs. Marcus. Jimmy arrives, and in the face of her love for Marcus, she sacrifices herself that the judge may win.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Bitter Truth perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Kenean Buel

Orphaned sisters Kate and Irene are separated as children, but each keeps half of their mother's wedding ring. Years later Irene marries John West, the head of a munitions camp. Kate happens to run the saloon in the camp, and she and Irene become friends but neither ever imagines that the other is her long-lost sister. Matters take a turn for the worse, however, when Kate starts a romance with Cliff, Irene's adoptive brother, and Irene strongly disapproves of the relationship.

Dir: Kenean Buel

After her husband's death in the West, Mrs. Lehr, a young widow who grew up in Cuttleback, decides to return there with her two daughters, Jane and Katherine, and make her home on the old family estate which had been looked after in her absence by Job Jenkins, a caretaker who had been in the Lehr family's employ since boyhood, and by now he has been the estate's sole occupant for so many years that he regards it as part of his life, and is disturbed when his mistress returns with her children. Daniel Whitcomb, Cuttleback's leading attorney, reads with interest the notice in Cuttleback's newspaper about Mrs. Lehr's intended return, and ponders the romance that connected his and her life before she left for the West. He wonders if her return will awaken the old-time affection he felt she once had for him. He remembered that before she left Cuttleback she asked him to see her, but his mothers desperate illness prevented him. He had written, but his letter did not reach her until she was the wife of another. She replied informing him of her marriage and hinting at her disappointment in his not having seen her before she left, but absolving him from any intention to purposely slight her. It happened that Mrs. Lehr and Mr. Whitcomb did renew their old love story. While this goes on, her little girls make things hum around the estate and tax old Job's patience to its limit. The girls form a warm attachment to slow-witted handyman "Manny," who finds time between chores to amuse them and become their faithful attendant. One day Job's belongings are removed from his room and the faithful old gardener drops out of sight, on a day when a barn on the Lehr estate is destroyed by fire. A charred skull found in the ruins forms the basis for a murder charge brought against dull-witted Manny by the town constable. Mrs. Lehr believes him guiltless, but can't prove his innocence, and the children "just know" he never killed Job or anybody else, but, like their mother, can't prove it. Mrs. Lehr seeks Daniel Whitcomb's aid, but he refuses her plea and states his belief that Manny is guilty. This breaks up his love affair with Mrs. Lehr and earns him the dislike of her daughters. Manny is tried and convicted, wholly upon circumstantial evidence, and he's being led to the electric chair when the girls arrive with the supposed victim Job, whom they had accidentally found and who knew nothing of Manny's predicament. Everything is cleared up and Katherine and Jane get a new daddy.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Daredevil Kate perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Kenean Buel

The Hawaiian Princess Laone's love for Keith Parrish is thwarted by social pressure. After being persuaded to refuse Mr. Parrish's proposal, she attempts suicide.

Dir: Kenean Buel

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Trouble Makers perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Kenean Buel

On the eve of his departure for India, Sir Oliver entrusts his nephews, Charles and Joseph Surface, to the care of his friend, Sir Peter Teazle. Twenty-five years later finds Charles a wild character and a thorn in Sir Peter's side. Joseph, a smug hypocrite, is a favorite with the elderly bachelor. Sir Peter is captivated by Ann, a country squire's daughter, whom he meets by accident. Although many years his junior, the girl becomes his wife. Shortly afterwards, Sir Peter becomes the guardian of Maria, with whom Charles is deeply in love. Sir Peter frowns upon the young man's suit. Learning that Maria is immensely wealthy, Joseph resolves to marry her. Lady Sneerwell, in love with Charles, successfully conspires with Joseph and her secretary, Snake, to separate the sweethearts. Meanwhile, Lady Teazle leads Sir Peter a merry life. Sir Benjamin Backbite, a notorious gossip, chances to visit the Teazles while Sir Peter is remonstrating with his wife because of her extravagance. After listening to the war of words, Sir Benjamin departs for Lady Sneerwell's home, where he finds the members of the School for Scandal engaged in tearing the reputations of their friends to tatters. The most harmless incidents are twisted and distorted. As told by Sir Benjamin, the quarrel between Sir Peter and Lady Teazle wound up in blows. Sir Oliver, returning from abroad, determines to study the characters of his nephews. He informs Sir Peter of his intention of meeting each under an assumed identity. To Charles, Sir Oliver appears as Premium, a money lender. The result of the interview between nephew and uncle finds the latter delighted with Charles. Despite Sir Peter's friendship for him, Joseph makes desperate love to Lady Teazle. Due to the efforts of Joseph, Snake and Lady Sneerwell, Sir Peter is led to believe that Charles and Lady Teazle love each other. Sir Oliver, visiting Joseph in the guise of a poor relation, finds the young man an ungrateful cur. In the meantime Lady Teazle is induced by Joseph to call upon him at his apartments. It happens that Sir Peter, having drawn up a will leaving all his property to Lady Teazle, calls upon Joseph to ask his advice. Unable to leave without detection, Lady Teazle hides behind a screen. She thus hears of what her husband has done to provide for her comfort after his death. Sir Peter's words touch Lady Teazle's heart, filling her with remorse. The husband discovers that someone is concealed behind the screen. He is about to investigate, when Joseph hurriedly declares that it is a French milliner. Charles is announced. Not wishing to meet him. Sir Peter hides in a closet. In the conversation which ensues between the brothers, Sir Peter discovers that his suspicions concerning Lady Teazle and Charles are unfounded. Lady Teazle, on the other hand, learns of Joseph's hypocrisy. Charles discovers Sir Peter in the closet just as Joseph learns that Lady Sneerwell is calling. While the hypocrite endeavors to warn her away, Charles and Sir Peter determine to have a look at the milliner. The resultant discovery astounds Sir Peter. Lady Teazle, thrusting aside Joseph's lying excuses with contempt, confesses the flirtation she has carried on with him. Lady Sneerwell gets an inkling of what has taken place. At once the wildest rumors are circulated by the members of the School for Scandal. These have it that both Sir Peter and Joseph had been shot, stabbed or horsewhipped. The gossip-mongers who hasten to Sir Peter's house to offer condolences, are astounded to find him alive and well. Joseph, arriving at Sir Peter's home in an effort to seek forgiveness, learns the real identity of the "poor relation" who had visited him. With the news that he has been disinherited comes a second blow when he hears that Sir Peter has consented to the marriage of Charles and Maria. As a last card, Joseph brings Lady Sneerwell to the scene. The woman declares that Charles has promised to make her his wife. Snake, however, turns traitor and confesses the plot to discredit Charles. Lady Teazle, giving Joseph and Lady Sneerwell a bitter rebuke, dismisses them. Realizing the many discomforts she has caused her husband, Lady Teazle promises to henceforth be a dutiful wife.

Dir: Kenean Buel

Drinking pals Fred Peyton and John Browning are both members of high society. Upon meeting impoverished Margaret Fallon, Peyton is so impressed with her beauty that he becomes a frequent visitor at the Fallon house. One evening, while returning from dinner, an explosion overturns their automobile and Margaret is temporarily blinded. Meanwhile, Browning has become engaged to a wealthy woman whom Peyton covets for her wealth and Margaret's blindness provides the opportunity for him to obtain this prize. Stealing his friend's wedding license, Peyton substitutes Margaret's name for that of Browning's intended bride and after intoxicating his friend, Peyton sends for Margaret and marries her to Browning. The next day, Peyton lies to his friend that he had drunkenly insisted upon the marriage. Later, when Margaret's eyesight is restored and she is seeking employment, she meets Browning and the two fall in love, unaware that they are husband and wife. Eventually, Browning learns that the woman from whom he is seeking a divorce is actually the woman he loves and, after Peyton is shot by a former mistress, all ends happily.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of A Fallen Idol perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Kenean Buel

Letters from the late mother of orphaned sisters Jane and Katherine seem to indicate that their father is Capt. Bob Dutton. Under orders from his superior, Colonel Harding, to acknowledge the children or quit the service, Dutton accepts responsibility for them. Shocked by his presumably checkered past, Cecile Harding, Dutton's fiancée and the colonel's daughter, breaks their engagement. One evening Jane surprises Capt. Robert Duncan, Dutton's rival for Cecile, stealing Bob's papers. Subsequently shot, the dying Duncan reveals that he is an Austrian agent, as well as the father of Katherine and Jane, having eloped years earlier with Ethel Harding, the colonel's older daughter. The colonel assumes the care of Jane and Katherine, and Dutton and Cecile are reconciled.

Dir: Kenean Buel

General Wolfe, appointed commander of the expedition against Quebec, comes to bid his mother goodbye. Before sailing, the general calls upon his sweetheart, Katherine Lowther. She presents him with a locket containing a miniature of herself. Wolfe places the jewel on a chain about his neck. Mignon Mars and her brother, Hubert, of a Canadian family, are captured by a body of men attached to the Royal Americans. Lieutenant Arleigh, the officer in charge, secures their release. Mignon loses her heart to the young officer. General Montcalm arrives at Quebec and takes command of the French forces. Under his supervision, fortifications are erected on the isle of Orleans, to protect the approach to the city. The general gains the enmity of Vaudreuil, the vainglorious governor, when he protects Mignon Mars from the unwelcome attentions of the latter. Mignon's brother enlists in the French army and is made an officer. The English fleet carrying Wolfe's men arrives off the Isle of Orleans. Wolfe entices the Canadian pilots aboard his vessel by raising the French flag. The pilots are compelled to take the fleet up the river, under penalty of death. Mignon discovers Wolfe's ruse and rides to warn Montcalm of the approach of the English fleet. Wolfe lands his soldiers on the Isle of Orleans, twelve miles below Quebec. The fleet then proceeds up the river and anchors before Quebec. In an effort to destroy the fleet, Montcalm prepares to fire the ships. But the wind and the tide are against the French, and the fire ships drift ashore. Under orders from the young commander-in-chief, Monckton, one of the British generals, seizes Point Levis, overlooking Quebec. Wolfe offers amnesty to the Canadians who lay down arms. The inhabitants, however, prove unruly. Later, the English batter away at Quebec, with the fortifications at Point Levis and the guns of the fleet. The bombardment does terrific destruction, houses being rattled by the shot and shell, while fires, caused by the rain of death, spring up everywhere. Bushwackers attack the Chateau Mars, on the Isle of Orleans, the home of Mignon. The girl and her father are in dire peril, when Wolfe and his men approach and drive the renegades before them. Wolfe makes the chateau his headquarters. Wolfe orders an attack on the French redoubts above Montmorenci Falls. The impetuosity of the Grenadiers leads them to disobey orders, with the result that the English are compelled to retreat, after a desperate battle. The approach of the Highlanders, who cover the retreat of the army, saves the English from annihilation. Lieutenant Arleigh strives in vain to check the retreat. Fighting like a hero, he is shot by an Indian, a Caughnawaga ally of the French. The redskin is about to scalp the young soldier when Hubert Mars comes to the rescue. The Canadian saves Arleigh's life, but is himself desperately wounded. Wolfe is greatly downcast by the defeat. He returns to the chateau in dejection. Mignon looks in vain for her English lover. She learns that he is among the missing. Setting forth, she searches the battlefield among the dead and wounded. Mignon hears that Hubert is wounded and goes to the hospital to see him. To her delight, she sees Arleigh lying on the cot next to her brother. Mignon returns to the chateau and reports to Wolfe that his young aide is captured. That night, Arleigh makes his escape by changing cots with a French soldier who has died. He dons the man's uniform and leaves the hospital. Later, Arleigh succeeds in escaping through the French lines. He swims out to the English fleet. The following day, Mignon returns to the hospital and is informed that Arleigh is dead and has just been buried. Heartbroken, she returns home with the sad news. Wolfe is stricken with a fatal illness and learns that he cannot recover. During his sickness, his brigadiers recommend an attack without his knowledge. Wolfe learns of it. Despite his weakness, the commander-in-chief rises from his bed and goes to take command. In his escape, Arleigh has learned of Montcalm's intention to send boats and supplies down the river at nightfall. He returns to the chateau and delivers his information to Wolfe. Mignon is overjoyed to find her sweetheart safe. Wolfe learns of a narrow path leading up the mountain side to the Plains of Abraham. The English troops are sent down the river and due to the password given by Arleigh are enabled to slip by the French sentries. All night long the English toil up the mountainside. When morning dawns, they are drawn up in battle array on the Plains of Abraham. The fight commences. Montcalm, emerging from his tent, grows uneasy when he hears the sound of firing. He learns of the state of affairs. The bugles summon the French troops to battle and they march forth to the Plains of Abraham. Montcalm calls upon Vaudreuil, the governor, for assistance, but that cowardly official refuses to render aid. The French approach within firing distance of their foe. Wolfe delivers a stirring address to his men as the French approach. The battle commences. The opposing forces come together with a clash that sends both sides reeling. Forward they spring, slashing and stabbing like madmen. Wolfe is in the thickest of the fray. A shot strikes him. He falls. A tremendous shouting arrests his agony. "They run, they run," cries one of his aides. "Who runs?" gasps Wolfe. "The enemy." "Now God be praised," the dying man whispers, "I die happy." At the same moment, Montcalm, desperately striving to check the rout, is mortally wounded. The French commander is carried to his headquarters. He is informed that his wound is mortal. "How long shall I live? Twelve hours more or less? So much the better. I am happy that I shall not live to see the surrender of Quebec," he gasps. Wolfe's body is placed aboard the English flagship to commence its journey to the land for which he gave his life. Seated in a boat on the river, Arleigh and his bride, Mignon, watch the vessel sailing out towards the setting sun.