Blackbirds (1915 film)

Last updated

Blackbirds
Blackbirds poster.jpg
Film poster
Directed by J. P. McGowan
Written by Margaret Turnbull (scenario)
Based onBlackbirds
1913 play
by Harry James Smith
Produced by Jesse Lasky
Morris Gest
Cinematography Charles Rosher
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date
  • October 14, 1915 (1915-10-14)
Running time
5 reels
CountryUnited States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

Blackbirds is an extant 1915 American silent film drama produced by Jesse Lasky and distributed through Paramount Pictures. The film marks an early starring screen appearance by actress Laura Hope Crews in this her second motion picture. The film is based on a 1913 Broadway play, Blackbirds, by Harry James Smith which also starred Crews. This is a surviving film at the Library of Congress. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

It was remade in a 1920 film of the same name starring Justine Johnstone.

Plot summary

Blackbirds tells the story of Leonie Sobatsky, a sharp-witted and resourceful woman who becomes entangled in a thrilling tale of crime, deception, and romance. Leonie, a skilled con artist, infiltrates high society under the guise of a sophisticated socialite, using her charm and intelligence to navigate a world fraught with danger and intrigue. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Jack Doggins, a man leading a double life as the Honorable Nevil Trask. Jack, like Leonie, is no stranger to deception, and the two form a tenuous partnership as they embark on a high-stakes adventure.

The plot revolves around a daring scheme involving the theft of valuable jewels, a crime that draws the attention of both law enforcement and dangerous criminal elements. As Leonie and Jack work together to outsmart their adversaries, they find themselves caught in a web of mistaken identities, shifting alliances, and escalating peril. Their journey is marked by clever ruses, close escapes, and moments of unexpected vulnerability as they begin to trust one another.

As the story unfolds, Leonie is forced to confront her own moral compass, questioning the choices that have led her to this point. Jack, too, grapples with his own motivations and the consequences of his actions. Together, they must navigate a treacherous path to achieve their goals, all while evading capture and staying one step ahead of their enemies.

Cast

Distribution

The copyright of the film, applied for by Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Co., Inc., was registered on September 23, 1915 under the number LU6443  . Distributed by Paramount Pictures and presented by Jesse L. Lasky, the film was released in U.S. theaters on October 14, 1915. In France, it was released on February 2, 1923 under the title La Dupe.

A complete copy of the film is preserved in the archives of the Library of Congress in Washington. [6]

References

  1. ↑ Blackbirds at silentera.com
  2. ↑ The American Film Institute Catalog Feature Films: 1911-20 by The American Film Institute, c.1988
  3. ↑ Blackbirds as produced on Broadway at the Lyceum Theatre, January 6, 1913; IBDb.com
  4. ↑ Catalog of Holdings The America Film Institute Collection and The United Artist Collection at The Library of Congress , page 17 by The American Film Institute, c.1978
  5. ↑ The Library of Congress American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: Blackbirds
  6. ↑ "Blackbirds. Motion picture copyright descriptions collection. Class L, 1912-1977". Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA. Retrieved May 19, 2025.


Drama film icon.svg

This 1910s drama film-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.