The Ruling Passion

This Biograph film deserves special notice because of its juvenile characters. The play is unique because of the fact that children take the most important parts from beginning to end, and their histrionic ability is deserving of commendation. A bright boy having been to the theater is controlled by a passion for acting, and at a children's party produces some very creditable little plays. Going from the house to the seashore, the acting is made more real upon the water when, through the loosening of a rope, two young people are carried away in a boat upon an ebb tide. It is some time before the youthful stage manager can procure assistance in the timely arrival of his parents, who secure the aid of a motor boat to pursue the little craft, which is rapidly foundering. The thrilling chase of the motor boat is somewhat prolonged, causing the danger of the children to become very harrowing to the feelings of the beholders. The rescue is, however, timely, and a restored family made happy; a little punishment is administered to the cause of the mishap, and the youngsters are all put to bed with the parents' happy "good night," but still in his dreams the young actor continues to give evidences of the "ruling passion." There are some pretty pictures in this film, and altogether it is one to interest the family, children will like it, and parents will see that it carries the lessons of timely warning. It encourages the development of the good in the boy and rebukes the bad, and will prove helpful in suggesting the control of a "ruling passion." - The Moving Picture World, September 9, 1911