SILENT FILMS 1915: THE GENTLEMAN FROM INDIANA

CREDITS

Released: November 28, 1915

Production Company: Pallas Pictures

Featured Cast: Dustin Farnum, Winifred Kingston, Herbert Standing, Page Peters, Howard Davies, Juan de la Cruz,  Joe Ray,  Elsie Cort, C. Norman Hammond, Helen Jerome Eddy,  Jacob Abrams, Virginia Foltz

Director: Frank Lloyd

Cinematographer: F.A. Dobson

Writers: Booth Tarkington (novel), Julia Crawford Ivers (scenario), Frank Lloyd (scenario)

TECH

Runtime 50 min (USA)
Sound Mix Silent
Color Black and White
Aspect Ratio 1.33 : 1
Film Length 1,500 m (5 reels)
Negative Format 35 mm
Cinematographic Process Spherical
Printed Film Format 35 mm

STORY

After a spectacular college football career, John Harkless leaves the university to pursue a place in Indiana politics. He buys the failing Plattville Herald and, using the newspaper to expose various illegal activities, sets out to rid the county of all mobsters and corrupt officials. When a traveling circus comes to town, he uncovers a crooked gambling ring and drives away the fleecers. That night, returning from his sweetheart’s house, he is badly beaten and left for dead by a gang of men.

Believing that John has been murdered, vigilantes gather to avenge his death, but the identity of the perpetrators is in question. The evidence finally points to the White Caps, a band of thugs allied with Rodney McCune, a notorious local politician opposing John in an upcoming Congressional race. Before the angry mob clashes with the White Caps, John is located in a hospital emergency room. While he recovers, his girlfriend, Helen Sherwood, takes over the newspaper and cleverly concocts a way for John to win the election.
Written By: Pamela Short