The Call of the Heart's primary photo
  • The Call of the Heart (1913)
  • Short | 11 min | Drama, Short
Primary photo for The Call of the Heart
The Call of the Heart (1913)
Short | 11 min | Drama, Short
Young minister Paul Shields is in love with pretty schoolteacher Mary Holmes, who doesn't encourage him. Calling for her at the close of school, she is pleased to accompany him to a prayer meeting on board a ship. The minister preaches to ...See moreYoung minister Paul Shields is in love with pretty schoolteacher Mary Holmes, who doesn't encourage him. Calling for her at the close of school, she is pleased to accompany him to a prayer meeting on board a ship. The minister preaches to the men as Mary and first mate Jack Ames walk off on a tour of the ship. A week later, Jack and Mary's friendship has ripened into love. A party is given the minister and Mary enters with Amos, presenting a bunch of flowers. They leave the parsonage and Ames proposes. Mary agrees and they return to the minister. The request she makes is like a death blow. Stopping all merriment, he performs the ceremony. As everybody leaves he reels in his chair. A year later, Ames, having grown tired of life on land, secures a position as mate on a turpentine carrier. He tells his wife of his plans: she hesitates at first on account of their baby, but after a little persuasion by Ames, she agrees, as he has had little success on land. Shortly after an explosion occurs on board and the ship is enveloped in flames. Mrs. Ames, who has become uneasy at home, is at the water's edge looking out to sea. She sees the ship afire. A second terrific explosion happens, killing all on board. The following day the minister calls upon Mrs. Ames and gently tells her of her husband's death. The following morning she begins to realize her lonely position in life, and looking through the "Want Ads," reads of a position as companion to a wealthy woman to travel abroad. Lost as to what to do with her baby, she thinks of her friend, the minister. Writing a note that her baby is in the way to her livelihood, and for him to take care of it, she pins the note to the baby's dress and carries it to the door of the minister's home. His spinster sister discovers the baby and takes it into her brother's study. Seeing the note they read it. The minister decides to keep the baby. Mrs. Ames, who has witnessed this action from a window outside, leaves with a light heart. Applying for the position she is engaged and leaves for Europe. Five years have elapsed and Mrs. Ames, changed in her stylish attire, calls at the parsonage. The minister's sister fails to recognize her, but goes to her brother and tells him of the woman waiting him. Entering, he is surprised to meet no other than Mary, who immediately asks about her child. The minister realizes he is about to lose his companion, and refuses to give her up. Turning upon him in rage, she demands her baby, at which the minister retorts. She may have her child if she can identify her in the Sunday School. Scanning each baby face in the class of children, Mrs. Ames fails to recognize her child and returning to the parsonage, leaves heartbroken. The minister returns to his class and dismisses the children. Mrs. Ames, who is seated on a bench near the church sobbing, is noticed by two of the Sunday School children, who, in sympathy, come to her. Mary asks one her name and the child is quickly clasped in her mother's embrace. The scene is witnessed by the minister, who comes to them, and, blessing both, goes to his study, where he kneels in prayer of thanks. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Director
George Nichols
Producer
Siegmund Lubin
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jul 29, 1913
Release date
Jul 29, 1913 (United States)

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3 cast members
Name Known for
Edwin Carewe's primary photo
Edwin Carewe
Paul Shields Paul Shields   See fewer
Across the Pacific (1914)
Ormi Hawley's primary photo
Ormi Hawley
Mary Holmes Mary Holmes   See fewer
Michael Strogoff (1914)
Earl Metcalfe's primary photo
Earl Metcalfe
Jack Ames Jack Ames   See fewer
Ignorance (1916)
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