Shon the Piper

Last updated

Shon the Piper
Shon the Piper 1913.png
A film still that shows Shon the Piper's cast
Directed by Otis Turner
Produced byOtis Turner
Starring Robert Z. Leonard
Joseph Singleton
Lon Chaney
Distributed by Universal Film Manufacturing Company
Release date
  • September 30, 1913 (1913-09-30)
Running time
3 reels [1]
CountryUnited States
Language Silent (English intertitles)

Shon the Piper is a 1913 American silent short historical romantic drama film directed by Otis Turner, starring Robert Z. Leonard and Lon Chaney. The film follows a Scottish Duke who disguises himself as a piper and falls in love with a woman by the name of Madge. The woman's father refuses to let the two marry because he wants his daughter to marry the Laird of the Isla. At the wedding, Shon steals Madge away and a battle ensues between the clans.

Contents

The film was produced by the 101 Bison Film Company and released on September 30, 1913. The film saw a widespread national release and garnered some positive attention. Some sources have disputed the fact that Lon Chaney appeared in this film, but the Blake book states Chaney played a member of a Scottish clan (uncredited). [1] The film is presumed lost.

Plot

The synopsis of the film was provided in Moving Picture News as: "The action is laid in the latter part of the eighteenth century while the story revolves about a young Scotch duke who, determined not to marry one seeking his money, searches for adventure in the Highlands, disguised as a piper. He meets, during his wanderings, Madge, the daughter of Donald Maclvor. They fall in love at first sight. Unaware of Shon's real identity, the old father refuses to sanction the match. He prefers to give his daughter to the wealthy Laird of the Isla. When the girl carries this news to her lover he tells her to "Be of good cheer, my bonny lass; I'll pipe them a tune of another class." The wedding day is fixed and the Laird leads his melancholy fiancée forth. Shon visits the feast in the garb of a harpist. He amuses the guests for a while and then, throwing off his disguise, escapes with Madge from a window. But previous to this, Shon has called his clan together and when speeding away to his mansion, they cover his retreat. What follows is a remarkably thrilling and fresh piece of business; a battle between two kilted Scotch clans. And then the title of the youth is discovered and all ends well." [2]

Cast

Production

The film was produced by the 101 Bison Film Company. [7] On August 23, 1910, the New York Clipper announced that J. W. Kerrigan had joined Universal Studios and would star in a new series of films directed by Allan Dwan. The first film listed was titled "A Restless Spirit" ( The Restless Spirit ) and the second film would be Shon the Piper. [8] It is unknown if there was some change in Shon the Piper's production or if the Clipper was mistaken because neither Kerrigan nor Dwan are credited. Instead, Otis Turner would direct the film and the film would star Robert Z. Leonard and Margarita Fischer. [3] [9]

Prior to his motion picture debut, Leonard previously had a noted stage career in the California Opera Company in a variety of roles and sung in over a hundred light operas. [9] Joseph Singleton played The Laird of the Isla and would be credited through an answer column in The Photo-play Journal. [4] The cast of the film was not billed or credited in the production. Michael Blake credits Lon Chaney in a role in this film in his book, The Films of Lon Chaney. [6] Jon C. Mirsalis states that he cannot confirm or deny an appearance by Lon Chaney, but notes that the only surviving film still does not show Lon Chaney among the cast members. [10] Also, although most sources list the film as a three-reeler, a review exists from "Motion Picture World" that calls it "A remarkably fresh and interesting two-reel subject..." [11]

Release and reception

The three reel film was released on September 30, 1913. [7] [12] The Leavenworth Times gave a review prior to its release, stating "This is one of those bright sunny pictures that cannot fail to please everybody. The action is laid in the latter part of the eighteenth century and Margaret Fischer as the daughter of the rich Laird of the Isla takes part in some of the most enchanting pictures ever shown on a screen." [13] The Huntington Herald said the film was a "remarkably fresh and interesting subject" and it described the film as a Scottish ballad. [14]

The film had viewings in Kansas, [13] Indiana, [15] Texas, [16] Chicago, Illinois, [17] Missouri, [18] Lincoln, Nebraska, [19] North Carolina, [20] Pennsylvania, [21] and Wisconsin. [22] Other showings include the "Indian Territory" of Oklahoma, [23] Seattle, Washington, [24] Arizona, [25] Vermont, [26] Oregon, [27] and Utah. [28] One of the last advertisements for the film was on December 19, 1913 announcing a showing at the Airdome in Durham, North Carolina. [29]

The film is now considered lost. [30] It is unknown when the film was lost, but if it was in Universal's vaults, it would have been deliberately destroyed along with the remaining copies of Universal's silent era films in 1948. [31]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lon Chaney</span> American actor (1883–1930)

Leonidas Frank "Lon" Chaney was an American actor and makeup artist. He is regarded as one of the most versatile and powerful actors of cinema, renowned for his characterizations of tortured, often grotesque and afflicted, characters and for his groundbreaking artistry with makeup. Chaney was known for his starring roles in such silent horror films as The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923) and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). His ability to transform himself using makeup techniques that he developed earned him the nickname "The Man of a Thousand Faces".

<i>The Trap</i> (1922 film) 1922 film

The Trap is a 1922 American silent Western film directed by Robert Thornby and starring Lon Chaney and Alan Hale. It was released by Universal Pictures. The film was released in the United Kingdom under the title Heart of a Wolf. One working title for the film was Wolfbreed. The film was re-released in the U.S. in 1926.

The Honor of the Family is a 1912 American silent short drama film produced by the Rex Motion Picture Company. The film is a melodramatic one between two brothers and a woman named Marja. Gerald admires the girl and warns his visiting brother, Claude, to leave her alone. Infatuated, Claude and Marja secretly marry before Claude returns to England with a promise to return for her. As the months pass, Marja becomes broken-hearted and attempts suicide, but ends up crippled for life. Claude dies and Gerald cares for Marja, even forging a letter to keep her spirits up. Marja comes to love Gerald and all is revealed on a later date.

The Ways of Fate is a 1913 American silent short romance film produced by the American Film Manufacturing Company. The film's directorial and producer roles have been both attributed to Allan Dwan, but other sources point to Wallace Reid as director. The film's fictional plot is centered on Jim Conway, who grew up wanting to avenge his father's death and headed West to seek his father's killer. Lost in the mountains, he is saved by a young woman and the two fall in love. After a few weeks with her, Conway reveals the reason he came west and the young woman's father overhears it. The old man confesses to killing Conway's father, over a game of cards, and bares his chest. Conway refuses to take revenge, because love had diminished such feelings. The film was released on April 19, 1913 and it had a widespread national release. It is not known whether the film currently survives, but it is presumed lost.

<i>Suspense</i> (1913 film) 1913 film

Suspense is a 1913 American silent short film thriller directed by Lois Weber and Phillips Smalley. Weber also wrote the scenario and stars in the film with Valentine Paul. The film features early examples of a split screen shot and a car chase.

The Sea Urchin is a 1913 American silent short romantic drama film directed by Edwin August and starring Jeanie MacPherson and Lon Chaney. The film was the earliest known character role by Lon Chaney and the first screenplay by MacPherson. The story follows a hunchback fisherman who finds a young girl and raises her into womanhood with the intention of marrying her. The film was released on August 22, 1913, and was played across the United States. The film is presumed lost.

<i>The Blood Red Tape of Charity</i> 1913 film

The Blood Red Tape of Charity is a 1913 American silent short propaganda drama film written, directed and starring Edwin August and produced by Pat Powers. August wrote the scenario with the intent to highlight the evils of organized charity while entertaining the viewers. The film focuses on William Weldon, a telegraph lineman who is injured on the job and cannot work for several weeks. The family seeks aid from charity organizations, but "red tape" regulations prevent the family from receiving timely assistance. A gentleman thief named Marx decides to do one last job for the benefit of the family. He forces a doctor to treat the Weldon's invalid daughter Alice before proceeding to rob a charity ball's attendees. Marx pawns the stolen articles and saves the family before turning himself in to the police.

<i>The Restless Spirit</i> 1913 film

The Restless Spirit is a 1913 American silent short drama film written and directed by Allan Dwan, featuring J. Warren Kerrigan, Lon Chaney, and Pauline Bush. The film is based on Thomas Gray's 1751 poem, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, and tells the story of a man who wishes to be a conqueror. A series of illusions follows which show him the futility of conquest when he cannot even conquer his own community.

<i>Back to Life</i> (1913 film) 1913 film by Allan Dwan

Back to Life is a 1913 American silent short drama film directed by Allan Dwan and featuring Pauline Bush, J. Warren Kerrigan, William Worthington and Lon Chaney. This was Chaney's first film with director Allan Dwan, which was followed by a dozen more. The film is now considered lost.

<i>Red Margaret, Moonshiner</i> 1913 film by Allan Dwan

Red Margaret, Moonshiner is a 1913 American silent short romance film directed by Allan Dwan, starring Pauline Bush, Murdock MacQuarrie and Lon Chaney. This film, now considered lost, is a good example of Chaney's early attempts at creating bizarre makeups to enhance his roles, wearing a long beard and wild hair here as "Lon", the old moonshiner. The film's original working title was Warrington's Honor. Some sources say the film was later edited down to one reel and re-released in theaters as Moonshine Blood in 1916.

<i>Bloodhounds of the North</i> 1913 film by Allan Dwan

Bloodhounds of the North is a 1913 American silent short drama film directed by Allan Dwan and starring Murdock MacQuarrie, Pauline Bush, and Lon Chaney. The film is now considered lost. Some sources state the film was edited down to one reel and re-released theatrically in 1916 as Accusing Evidence, but this is disputed.

The End of the Feud is a 1914 American silent drama film directed by Allan Dwan and featuring Murdock MacQuarrie, Pauline Bush, and Lon Chaney. The film is now considered lost.

The Stronger Mind is a 1915 American silent drama film directed by Joe De Grasse and featuring Lon Chaney, Murdock MacQuarrie and Pauline Bush. Chaney did not routinely work for the United production unit at Universal, and was obviously sent over as a one-time loan-out for this production. It is now considered to be a lost film. A still exists showing MacQuarrie and Chaney as the two bank robbers.

Dolly's Scoop is a 1916 American silent drama film directed by Joe De Grasse and featuring Lon Chaney. It was written by Ida May Park, based on a story by Hugh Weir. This was one of the few silent films that subtitled the actors' dialogue at the bottom of the screen, instead of using title cards. Also, this was one of the only Lon Chaney films in which Chaney wound up getting the girl at the end of the picture. A still exists showing Lon Chaney in the role of the reporter, Dan Fisher.

Accusing Evidence is a 1916 American silent Western film directed by Allan Dwan and starring Lon Chaney, Pauline Bush and Murdock MacQuarrie.

<i>The Pipers Price</i> 1917 film

The Piper's Price is a 1917 silent drama film directed by Joe De Grasse and starring Lon Chaney, William Stowell and Dorothy Phillips. It was the first in a series of films co-starring William Stowell and Dorothy Phillips together. The screenplay was written by Ida May Park, based on the short story by Nancy Mann Waddel Woodrow. The film was released in the U.K. as Storm and Sunshine. The film is today considered lost. A still exists showing Lon Chaney in the role of Billy Kilmartin.

<i>Fires of Rebellion</i> 1917 film

Fires of Rebellion is a 1917 American silent drama film written and directed by Ida May Park, and starring Lon Chaney, William Stowell, and Dorothy Phillips. The film is today considered lost. A still exists showing Lon Chaney in the role of the lecherous photographer Russell Hanlon. The film's main musical theme was Serenade by R. Czerwonky.

<i>The Rescue</i> (1917 film) 1917 film

The Rescue is a 1917 American silent drama film written and directed by Ida May Park and starring Lon Chaney, William Stowell and Dorothy Phillips. The screenplay was based on a story by Hugh McNair Kahler. The film is today considered lost. A photo exists showing Lon Chaney in his role as Thomas Holland, a rare occasion when Chaney did not play a villain.

<i>Pay Me!</i> 1917 film

Pay Me! is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by Joe De Grasse and starring Lon Chaney, Dorothy Phillips, and William Stowell. In the United States, the film is also known as The Vengeance of the West. The screenplay was written by Bess Meredith, based on a story by Joe De Grasse. This film was Universal Pictures' first "Jewel Production" release. Once considered to be a lost film, an incomplete (23-minute) print was rediscovered in the Gosfilmofond archive in Russia in 2019. A still exists showing Lon Chaney in the role of the villainous Joe Lawson.

<i>Riddle Gawne</i> 1918 film

Riddle Gawne is a 1918 American silent Western film directed by William S. Hart and Lambert Hillyer, and featuring William S. Hart, Katherine MacDonald and Lon Chaney. The film was co-produced by William S. Hart and Thomas H. Ince. The screenplay was written by Charles Alden Seltzer from his earlier novel The Vengeance of Jefferson Gawne. Chaney historian Jon C. Mirsalis claims that William S. Hart contributed greatly to the screenplay but all other sources credit the writing of the screenplay solely to Charles Alden Seltzer.

References

  1. 1 2 Blake, Michael F. (1998). "The Films of Lon Chaney". Vestal Press Inc. p. 3. ISBN   1-879511-26-6.
  2. ↑ "Moving Picture News (Jul - Oct 1913) (Jul - Oct 1913)". Cinematograph Publishing Company. 1913. p. 446. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 "Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1916) (Jan-Feb 1916)". Exhibitors' Times, inc. 1916. p. 121. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  4. 1 2 "The Photo-Play Journal (May 1916-Apr 1917) (May 1916-Apr 1917)". Miller Publishing Company, inc. 1917. p. 74. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  5. ↑ Mirsalis, Jon C. "Shon, the Piper". Lonchaney.org. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Blake, Michael (2001). The Films of Lon Chaney. Madison Books. p. 3.
  7. 1 2 "Motography (Jul-Dec 1913) (Jul-Dec 1913)". Electricity Magazine Corp. 1913. p. 262. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Clipper (August 1913) (1913)". New York Clipper. 1913. p. 91. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  9. 1 2 "Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1916) (Jan-Feb 1916)". Exhibitors' Times, inc. 1916. p. 96. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  10. ↑ Mirsalis, Jon. "Shon the Piper". Lon Chaney.org. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  11. ↑ Marsalis, Jon C. "Shon, the Piper". Lonchaney.org. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Moving Picture News (Jul - Oct 1913) (Jul - Oct 1913)". Cinematograph Publishing Company. 1913. p. 449. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  13. 1 2 "Coming to the Hippodrome". The Leavenworth Times. September 28, 1913. p. 9. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ "What the Pictures Will Be". The Huntington Herald (Huntington, Indiana). September 30, 1913. p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ "What the pictures will be". The Huntington Herald (Huntington, Indiana). September 29, 1913. p. 4. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  16. ↑ "At the Unique". El Paso Herald (El Paso, Texas). September 30, 1913. p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  17. ↑ "Linden Photodrome". Suburbanite Economist (Chicago, Illinois). October 3, 1913. p. 3. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  18. ↑ "People's Theater". Springfield Missouri Republican (Springfield, Missouri). October 10, 1913. p. 3. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  19. ↑ "The Elite". Lincoln Evening Journal (Lincoln, Nebraska). October 13, 1913. p. 16. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  20. ↑ "(The Paris Photo-Play Ad)". Durham Morning Herald (Durham, North Carolina). October 16, 1913. p. 3. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  21. ↑ "A Few Words from The Colonial". The Indiana Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania). November 10, 1913. p. 1. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  22. ↑ "(Colonial Ad)". Oshkosh Daily Northwestern (Oshkosh, Wisconsin). November 15, 1913. p. 3. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  23. ↑ "(Lyric Ad)". Tulsa Daily World (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]). October 4, 1913. p. 8. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  24. ↑ "The Movies". The Seattle Star (Seattle, Wash.). October 10, 1913. p. 3. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Show Tonight". Arizona Republican (Phoenix, Ariz.). April 10, 1914. p. 8. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Whitney Theatre Advertisement". The Bennington Evening Banner (Bennington, Vt.). November 1, 1913. p. 7. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Alta Theater". East Oregonian  : E.O. (Pendleton, Umatilla Co., Or.). November 15, 1913. p. 5. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Amusements". The Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah). October 18, 1913. p. 11. Retrieved January 11, 2015.
  29. ↑ "Airdome". Durham Morning Herald (Durham, North Carolina). December 19, 1913. p. 2. Retrieved September 11, 2014– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  30. ↑ "Silent Era: Shon the Piper". silentera. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
  31. ↑ Ohlheiser, Abby (December 4, 2013). "Most of America's Silent Films Are Lost Forever". The Wire. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
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.