Audrey (1916) Famous Players Film Co. Distributor: Paramount Pictures Corp. Director: Robert Vignola. Cast: Pauline Frederick, Charles Waldron, Margarete Christians, E. Fernandez, Helen Lindroth, Henry Hallam, Jack Clark. 5 reels. This film appears to be LOST
| Audrey | Pauline Frederick |
| Lord Haward | Charles Waldron |
| Evelyn Byrd | Margarete Christians |
| Jean Hugon | E. Fernandez |
| Mrs. Darden | Helen Lindrith |
| Mr. Darden | Henry Hallam |
| John Byrd | Jack Clark |
What is the Famous Players organization attempting to do? It is possible that prior to the report Mary Pickford might transfer her allegiance elsewhere, they began "building" another such star? By every process of calculation their latest release, "Audrey," is a Pickford role and by the same method of calculation it isn't a Pauline Frederick part. For four reels Miss Frederick is supposed to depict a hoyden in rags, finally donning "citizens clothes" and marrying the noble lord. (Incidentally the marvelously unique plot could have been unfolded in one reel much more effectively than in five.) Miss Frederick is essentially a "classy" film star, fitted for either "vampire" or "society emotional lead" roles that call for the finest of gowns. She is altogether too sophisticated for the depiction of youthful hoyden parts. In "rags" she doesn't even look pretty. So one can readily believe the role is essentially Pickfordian, requiring only the continuance of the "rags" for an additional half reel to have it fit "our Mary" to a nicety. "Audrey" with Miss Frederick is a most unsatisfactory film production.
"Audrey."
[Omitted, Photo of Frederick, rest of the picture is indecipherable.]
"Audrey" is the release of the Famous Players for March 27. In this five-part subject Pauline Frederick has the leading role. The story will make good entertainment, from the pictorial side as well as from the dramatic. The script is adapted by Harriet Ford and E.F. Boddington from the novel by Mary Johnston. Robert Vignola, the producer, has traveled to the far South for his settings, and they are indeed picturesque. The period is Colonial--and one wonders where Mr. Vignola unearthed or ungarreted all the beavers of ancient vintage.
Miss Frederick has the name role. Audrey is an orphan--in her childhood her parents had been slain by Indians--who is given by her rescuer, a man of means, over to others for keeping on account of his leaving for England. The child becomes a drudge. In after years the guardian returns, becoming in turn the protector of his ward and her husband. It is a pretty romance. Miss Frederick by her skill in emotional portrayal contributes to the illusion of the drama.
Charles Waldron is Lord Hayward, the guardian of Audrey. Mr. Waldron gives a splendid interpretation of the dignified Englishman. Henry Hallam and Helen Lindroth are the schoolmaster and his wife who fail to care for Audrey as her guardian intended. Jack Clark is a dashing Southern swell, the brother of Evelyn--portrayed by Marguerite Christians--who loses out in her conquest for Hayward; she postpones her acceptance of his suit and Hayward changes his mind in favor of his ward. Rita Connolly, the child Audrey. will make a hit with any audience.
"Audrey" is a good picture. It is a drama artistically presented and well played.
AUDREY (Famous Players--Five Parts--March 27).--The cast: Audrey (Pauline Fredericks [sic]); Lord Haward (Charles Waldron); Evelyn Byrd (Margarete Christians); Jean Hugon (E. Fernandez) Mrs. Darden (Helen Lindrith [sic]); Mr. Darden (Henry Hallam); John Burd (Jack Clark)
Audrey, the only survivor of an Indian raid, is found by Marmaduke Haward, a young Englishman, who adopts her and returns to England with her as his ward. He entrusts her to the care of Gideon Darden, a minister. A short time later Haward returns to England upon receipts of news that he has been left a title and great fortune.
Years have passed and Audrey, a carefree child of the woods, who has grown to womanhood, unknowingly attracts the admiration of Jean Hugon, a trapper. Hugon attempts to woo Audrey, who laughingly shuns him. Innocent of her physical charms, as she roams the woods, she lures Hugon who attempts to enforce his affections upon her. She becomes afraid of him and retreats.
Haward returns from England with the title of Lord and Darden, who has neglected Audrey, gives her suitable clothing. Haward's interest in Audrey grows until Lady Evelyn, his sweetheart, discards him. Audrey attends a social function in company with Lord Haward, and Lady Evelyn's brother insults her. He fights a duel with Lord Haward in which the latter is wounded. Next Sunday the minister denounces Audrey and she is dispossessed and driven away from home. Lord Haward, learning of the news, rescues her and attempts to re-establish her, which results in a better understanding between Lord Haward and his ward.
"Audrey" on the Screen
Pauline Frederick the Heroine of Miss Johnston's Story.
The second of Mary Johnston's works to reach the screen in a few weeks was shown yesterday at the Strand. It was a picture version of "Audrey," following closely on the heels of "To Have and to Hold," projected on the same screen recently.
Pauline Frederick was the Audrey of the film, and her opulent beauty stands the test of a makeup not calculated to enhance it. She is the orphan of the story who becomes a rich man's ward for a brief time before she is turned over to a couple who appropriate the money intended for her use and keep her in rags. So it is in the costume of the unfortunate founding that she races through four reels--a plain skirt and waist, hair hanging about her shoulders, and--bare feet! Less brilliant beauty than Miss Frederick's would be smothered by such a handicap, but hers shines brightly through, and in every appearance she is a lovely apparition.
Later on, when her guardian has returned from England and brought her the gowns that should have been hers through all the reels Miss Frederick comes into her own. In the matter of pictorial beauty "Audrey" is unusually excellent. Apparently Florida, with its rich foliage, has supplied the background, and in the swift unreeling scenes are many of rare beauty.
Margarete Christians, who is a daughter of Rudolf Christians, director of the Irving Place Theatre, is a newcomer in movieland, who makes a pleasing impression in "Audrey." Patrons of the German playhouse are well acquainted with the beauty and charm of this young actress, and none of it eludes the lens. Also she seems to understand the new medium she has adopted.
Last revised, April 14, 2007