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Playing with Fire
(1913) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Bert Angeles
Cast: Earle Williams [Morgan Dryden], Dorothy Kelly [Marion Harrington], Harry T. Morey [Harrington], Harry Northrup [Wentworth Dryden], Hazel Neason
The Vitagraph Company of America production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Scenario by Beta Breuil. / Released 18 April 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Married and settled in her own home, Mrs. Harrington misses the admiration and attention which she always attracted when she was society belle Marion Stanley. Her husband is somewhat older than she is. She meets Wentworth Dryden. He is charmed by Marion’s manner and personality. She finds him very entertaining. Dryden pays her so much court her husband notices it. Dryden conducts himself with propriety and shows Mrs. Harrington every respectful courtesy, but he finds it difficult to restrain his admiration for her. He invites her to visit his brother’s studio, to which he has a passkey. After viewing the works of art, Dryden expresses his love for her and she becomes suspicious of his intentions. Making some plausible excuse, she opens the window. She spies her husband, attracts his attention and calls him. He is surprised, but hastens to her. She calmly awaits his coming. Before he arrives, however, Dryden has controlled his inclination and does not forget that he is a gentleman. He respectfully escorts Marion to the door and announces that his brother seems to have forgotten his appointment and, if she is ready, he will see her home. Just as they are leaving the studio Mr. Harrington enters. He accuses Dryden of being discourteous to his wife. Dryden denies it, and Mr. Harrington strikes Dryden a heavy blow. Mrs. Harrington convinces him that Dryden has done nothing wrong.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 3 May 1913, page ?] The best of the day. It is the story of a coquette, whose affection for her husband was diminished by his amiability and unwavering concern for her welfare. The flirtatious woman was encouraged by a former suitor, who had never really ceased his attentions. Dorothy Kelly is the woman, and she does splendid work. Harry Morey is the indulgent husband, whose patience finally is exhausted; he gets out of his role all there is in it. Harry Northrup is the trouble-maker. It is a difficult part, and an unpopular one, but Mr. Northrup gives a strong portrayal. The climax stirs the heart and thrills. A splendid release. Mrs. Breuil is the author. Bert Angeles is the director.
Survival status: Print exists in the Library of Congress film archive.
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 21 November 2022.
References: Website-IMDb.
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