The Capital Prize's primary photo
  • The Capital Prize (1916)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Capital Prize
The Capital Prize (1916)
Short | Short, Drama
George Dumont is warned by the secret service bureau that he is in grave danger of losing the formula of an explosive he has invented. It is known to be coveted by foreign powers. To be sure the formula is safe, George opens his vibro-tone...See moreGeorge Dumont is warned by the secret service bureau that he is in grave danger of losing the formula of an explosive he has invented. It is known to be coveted by foreign powers. To be sure the formula is safe, George opens his vibro-tone vault. This is done by striking certain notes on the piano, which causes the door to swing open. The formula is undisturbed. George's mother and a number of society women are planning a war sufferers' bazaar. Muriel Trent, one of the girls, suggests they have a lottery, and for the capital prize daringly hits upon George Dumont; that is, he will be the lucky girl's beau for a whole week. George consents. The town boasts a fine laundress, Mary Lane. She is shy, dresses plainly and is hardly noticed. She makes an apparent mistake when she steps into the Dumont library carrying her basket of laundry, just in time to prevent the murder of George by the Baron, who has received instructions from his government to stop at nothing to obtain immediate possession of the formula. George, unaware of the Baron's attempt on his life, courteously ushers Mary out through the hall. Muriel Trent schemes to win the lottery. George is on exhibition in the lottery booth. Every woman has a ticket, including Mary Lane. Mistakes will happen, however, and the winner of "the perfect beau" is none other than Mary Lane. A sensation follows, increased when George's mother befriends the bashful girl, and invites her to put herself in Mrs. Dumont's hands. Mary goes home with George and his mother. Baron Rezek, listening outside the library door when Gorge places his mother's jewels in the vault, hears the combination of notes which opens it. Late that night Mary, in her room upstairs, remembers the lottery ticket she has misplaced, and creeps down to the library for it. Finding the ticket, she curls up in the big chair before the glowing fire. Baron Rezek comes downstairs, intent upon opening the vault. His fingers fairly ache to try the combination on the piano. But he sees Mary apparently asleep, and reluctantly goes out. Mary has seen it all. At the end of the week George's mother gives Mary her last party. While the drawing room is crowded Baron Rezek determines to open the vault. The music and conversation will enable him to work undisturbed. But Mary, hearing him strike the combination, quietly steals out and while the Baron is inside the vault she closes the door. Then, summoning George and the excited guests, she cries, "Open the vault." George strikes the combination, the door swings open and Baron Rezek totters out and falls. Mary snatches from his inside pocket the precious formula and then snaps handcuffs on his wrists. Amazed, George asks who she is. "I'm Mary Lane, of the Secret Service," she answers. Her mission completed, Mary is leaving for good when George intercepts her. He induces Mary to change her mind and become his capital prize, for life. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Edwin Stevens
Writers
Norbert Lusk (story) | Edwin Stevens (scenario)
See all filmmakers & crew (2)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated May 12, 1916
Release date
May 12, 1916 (United States)

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Cast

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5 cast members
Name Known for
Harry Benham's primary photo
Harry Benham
George Dumont George Dumont   See fewer
The Dancer's Peril (1917)
Rolinda Bainbridge's primary photo
Rolinda Bainbridge
Mrs. Dumont (as Mrs. J.H. Bainbridge) Mrs. Dumont (as Mrs. J.H. Bainbridge)   See fewer
The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga (1911)
Tina Marshall's primary photo
Tina Marshall
Mary Lane Mary Lane   See fewer
The Yellow Menace (1916)
Joseph Granby's primary photo
Joseph Granby
Baron Rezek Baron Rezek   See fewer
The Great Romance (1919)
Miss McCrea's primary photo
Miss McCrea
Muriel Kent (as Miss McGrae) Muriel Kent (as Miss McGrae)   See fewer
The Capital Prize (1916)
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