STORY

Jane Darling is an invalid, whose husband, Charles, was formerly a famous actor, but in his old age has come down to be doorkeeper at a theater. For his wife’s happiness, Charles still lets her think he is a famous star. He is helped, unconsciously, in the deception by a famous star of the present day, who has taken for a stage name the fallen star’s surname and is playing at the same theater where Charles is doorkeeper, in a revival of the same play that Charles made his reputation in.

One day as Charles is holding his little court about the door, composed of several children who hang about him, the star comes in and hears the old man reciting lines of the part he is playing in. He is surprised, and on talking with “Daddy,” learns that the old man at one time read the same lines to his audience. That night the impression is deep on two minds. The star, eating his lonely dinner, wonders if he will come to what “Daddy” is now, while Jane, at home, reads of the success of the play and the encomiums heaped upon the star.

The next day is the wedding anniversary of the old couple and Jane intends to surprise her “star” husband by going to the theater unknown to him and watching him in his big success. At the last moment she tells her plan to her neighbor, who is horror struck at the idea, knowing that “Daddy” is only a doorkeeper at the theater and fearing that the shock of the surprise will kill her. The old lady is too determined to be turned aside and they leave for the theater. At the theater things are not going well, the star is late and they are anxiously awaiting his arrival. When he does arrive, in his hurry to get out of his car, he slips and wrenches his ankle so badly that he is unable to go on with the play. He persuades the manager to put “Daddy” on in his place, knowing his familiarity with the play, and, after many arguments, “Daddy” is finally given the part. His rendition of the part is more than perfect.

Jane has taken a front seat and is unable to contain herself. “Daddy” sees her, and for an instant, falters in his lines, but his old training comes into play and he goes on coolly with the part. He motions her to come backstage and after the performance, there is a very happy reunion. The star secretly makes the manager let “Daddy” take the part as long as the play runs so his wife will never know of the deception and as the story ends. “Daddy” comes again into the triumphs of his youth.
Written By: Moving Picture World