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Balked at the Altar
(1908) United States of America
B&W : One reel / 703 feet
Directed by D.W. Griffith
Cast: Mabel Stoughton [Artemesia Sophia Stebbins], Linda Arvidson, [?] Frank Gebhardt and/or George Gebhardt?, Robert Harron, Arthur V. Johnson, Mack Sennett, Harry Solter, [?] D.W. Griffith?
American Mutoscope & Biograph Company production; distributed by American Mutoscope & Biograph Company. / Scenario by [?] D.W. Griffith? Cinematography by Arthur Marvin. / © 15 August 1908 by American Mutoscope & Biograph Company [H114598]. Released 25 August 1908. / [?] Biograph 35mm spherical format? / The production was shot on 29-30 July 1908. Exteriors were shot in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Griffith’s 13th film as director. Sennett’s film debut.
Comedy.
Synopsis: A young lady snares a suitor and forces him to the altar. He escapes but is tracked down only to have the young lady refuse in the end. • [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Artemisia Sophia Stebbins was a lovelorn maiden who had delved deep into the mysteries of “Three Weeks,” as well as being conversant with the teachings of Laura Jean Libby. Her one hobby was to possess a hubby. Many there were whom she tried to hook, but in vain, for truth to say. Arte was of pulchritude a bit shy. She had the complexion of pale rhubarb and a figure like a wheat sack. Still her motto was “nil desperandum,” and she was ever hopeful. One thing in her favor, her father. Obediah Stebbins, avowed his aid. Of the visitors who called at the Stebbins’ domicile, Hezekiah Horubeak seemed the most probable to corral, so Artemisia set to work. Hez at first was a trifle recalcitrant, but was soon subdued by Obediah’s gun, which we must admit possessed egregious powers of persuasion. The day for the wedding was set, and to the village church there flocked the natives to witness this momentous affair. All was progressing serenely until the all-important question was put to Hezekiah, and instead of answering “Yea,” he kicked over the trace and tried to beat it. His escape by way of the door was intercepted, so it happens that the little church is in sore need of a stained glass window, for Hez took a portion of it with him in his haste. Out and over the lawn he gallops with the congregation at his heels, Artemisia Sophia well in the lead. Down from the terrace onto the road they leap and across the meadow until they come to a fence, on the other side of which are two boys shooting crap. Over this hurdle they vault coming plump down on the poor boys, almost crushing the life out of them. Regaining his equilibrium, Hez forges on coming to the very acropolis of the town. The descent therefrom is decidedly precipitous and makes Hez hesitate for a moment, but only a moment, for the howling horde is still in pursuit, so down be goes in leaps and falls to the bottom, followed by a veritable avalanche of human beings. Owing to this mix-up Hez has a chance to distance them a little, and being almost exhausted, he attempts to climb a tree, but too late for the gang is soon upon him, and carry him back to the church where the ceremony is started again, and when he is asked that all-important question he fairly yells, “Yes, b’gosh!” Artemisia is now asked the question, and to the amazement of all present she says, “Not on your county fair tintype,” and flounces haughtily out of the church, leaving poor Hezekiah in a state of utter collapse, surrounded by sympathizing friends.
Survival status: Print exists in the Library of Congress film archive (paper print collection) [35mm paper positive, 16mm preservation reduction positive].
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: African-Americans - Animals: Dogs - Blackface - Books - Carriages - Chases - Courtship - Games: Dice - Marriages: Forced - Religion: Churches, Clergy - USA: New Jersey: Fort Lee
Listing updated: 20 December 2024.
References: Film viewing : Barry-Griffith p. 40; Lahue-Kops p. 12; Niver-Early p. 21; Niver-First pp. 129-130; Spehr-American p. 1 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
Home video: DVD.
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