His Lesson (1915)
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George Siegmann | Billie West | Vester Pegg | George Siegmann (Director)
Rest of cast:
Olga Grey | Walter Long | Fred Burns | Lucille Browne | G. W. Bitzer | Christy Cabanne | Jack Conway | Edward Dillon | Dorothy Gish | Lillian Gish | Irene Hunt | Fred Kelsey | Mae Marsh | John B. O’Brien | Fay Tincher | Frank E. Woods
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“His Lesson”
One-reel Majestic of realistic treatment and strong purpose.
Reviewed by Louis Reeves Harrison.
Cast:
“Bat” Murray — George Seigmann
Mamie, his sweetheart — Billie West
Jimmie, the dip — Vester Perry
Dorothy Vernon — (Not given)
During two weeks of the holiday season there was an outpouring of small pictures of equally small merit, making the task of the reviewer no enviable one. From out of the mess of weaklings, imitations and mediocrities, not actually bad in one respect or another, His Lesson has survived so far as my judgment is concerned, though it is not a pretentious affair. Its merit lies in originality of theme, fine selection of types and adequate treatment. The much-abused critic would infinitely prefer to have a larger field of good performances to select from, but it is quite possible that the thousands of small releases turned out every year have absorbed studio talent, especially the write-a-scenario-on-my-cuff kind, to the extent that old plots are being repeated over and over again without the illuminating excuse of a new theme. The main object seems to be that of getting rid of a responsibility — most of the releases seem to be turned out under a mental and physical pressure that does not make for pictures that are either progressive or satisfying.
His Lesson is animated throughout by a theme that makes its presence felt, though it is not clearly defined until the conclusion. “Bat” Murray represents a type well known in city life. He is a forceful young tough with courage, tact and an inclination to be on the level, a disposition to rise above the crookedness that seems to characterize all his surroundings. His easy-going affections are enlisted by a frail and sweet little girl, just Mamie, of his own social order, and he makes short work of Jimmie the Dip when that individual attempts to assert his preference for Mamie. Bat also smashes Jimmie when the latter attempts to pick the pocket of Dorothy Vernon, a banker’s daughter who has entered upon settlement work.
Bat’s aspirations leap into flame under the influence of Miss Vernon. She stimulates him to better his condition, and he does so through natural channels. He becomes a popular candidate for the City Council and wins through the support of those who have known him in the underworld. Higher and higher he aspires until he runs for the legislature, always with an idea of winning the banker’s daughter. His humble sweetheart is neglected and reverts to Jimmie the Dip for consolation in her hours of heartache. The young politician gives a ball in his ward and induces Miss Vernon to attend. She does so, though obviously out of place, and this experience reveals that Bat is not of her world, good fellow as he may be in his own sphere. He cannot rise to the generous clemency and kindly manners of her natural environment.
A fire breaks out at the ball and some thrilling rescues follow, Bat saving both Dorothy and his old sweetheart, but he is terribly burned and carried to the hospital. There it is humble Mamie who nurses him with infinite tenderness, while Dorothy sends him flowers and a little note expressing her deep gratitude. The note also mentions quite delicately her forthcoming marriage to a man in her own circle, and Bat senses that the woman for him is one who understands and deeply loves him, though she may be less of a credit to him in public. The types are beyond criticism, and the entire cast acts with a naturalness that is delightful in this day of antiquated artificiality.
Scene from His Lesson (Majestic)
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Collection: Moving Picture World, January 1915