The Star of Genius (1914)

movie

Country: France
Genres: Drama
Release: 1914-12-01
Director: René Leprince , Ferdinand Zecca
Writers: N/A
Language: None | French
Stars: Gabriel Signoret , Stacia Napierkowska , Albert Mayer
Runtime: 50 min
Awards: N/A
AKA: The Star of Genius (United States of America) , L'étoile du génie , L'étoile du génie (France, French Republic)
Plot: The famous French star, Mlle. Napierkowska, is featured in this story of the stage, its successes and failures. The young composer, Hurlburt, with mingled feelings awaits the day of the first rehearsal of his opera "La Tolosa." Critics and reviewers in the shoals are present to witness it and Hurlburt knows the importance of their verdict. Unfortunately for him the standard of merit demanded by them is not found in the opera and blasted in hope and ambition he leaves the theater. On his way home he encounters a poor young flower girl who has just been robbed by hoodlums. Taking pity on her he brings her to his home and gives her food and shelter. To his surprise he finds that she has a remarkable native talent for dancing and determines to make use of it in his next opera and in the meantime to be her benefactor. Some time later, filled with confidence both in his protege. Valerie, and in the merits of his new production. Hurlburt directs the dress rehearsal of "Caius Caligula." Quite the reverse of that of "La Tolosa" is the reception awarded to this opera. The beauty, grace and talent of Valerie united with the excellence of the music takes the audience by storm and author and girl receive the plaudits of the critics. The Vicomte d'Arcel, who has met Valerie before, seizes the opportunity to declare his love to the girl who admits that she does not view him with indifference. Later when Hurlburt looks for her to take her home he sees her drive off with the young nobleman. The next day he is overwhelmed to receive a letter from her telling him that because of the deep love which she feels for d'Arcel she is impelled to leave the hospitality of his house. Months later Valerie learns that d'Arcel will not marry her because of the objections of his parents, and decides to leave the cast of "Caius Caligula" and seek a change of employment. Despite her defection the play continues with brilliant success and Hurlburt is begged by the theater owner for the privilege of presenting his next opera. Heartsick at the loss of the girl whose benefactor he has been and who has done so much to insure the success of "Caius Caligula," Hurlburt feels the importance of securing her for his hew opera. He learns from a friend that she has secured an engagement with another and will make her debut shortly. Finding that the accompanist of that theater is ill he applies for and receives that position for the dress rehearsal. So on that fateful night the man and the girl he loves are thrown together again in a dramatic scene. What happens is better left to the imagination. We will say this, however, it is both satisfactory and artistic.
IMDB:tt0170862