The Happy Masquerader - Production & Contact Info

The Happy Masquerader (1916)
Short | Short, Drama

The Happy Masquerader (1916)

Short | Short, Drama

Richard Thorn, a wealthy young fellow, is advised of his father's death while hunting big game in Africa. He returns to look after his father's estate. At the station be takes a taxi driven by Davis, a man with a grudge against the world, ...See moreRichard Thorn, a wealthy young fellow, is advised of his father's death while hunting big game in Africa. He returns to look after his father's estate. At the station be takes a taxi driven by Davis, a man with a grudge against the world, and when Davis, enviously eyeing the luxury of the Thorn home, remarks that anyone can be happy with nothing to do but buy all the things one wanted. Thorn strikes the keynote of his philosophy of life in replying: "Happiness lies within; it isn't a question of money and luxury." Thorn is driven to the club, where he is congratulated on his good luck, youth, good looks and wealth. Then Thorn, willing to prove his point that "happiness comes from within," offers to change places with some less fortunate man, and remembering Davis, he calls him in and puts the proposition of surrendering his name, station and advantages to him. Thorn to take his place as cab driver for a period of two months. Elsa Dean, the charming young ward of Frederick Hudson, is to receive a fortune upon her maturity or marriage. Hudson makes some unfortunate speculations in which he loses his fortune and involves his ward's. Thorn's father had made his old friend Hudson a large loan for which Hudson had given his notes. Before he died, Thorn, Sr., had left instructions for his son to destroy these notes. Davis, impersonating Dick Thorn, meets Hudson and his ward and determines to win her and her fortune, but he is repulsive to her and she has been attracted to Thorn, even though she thinks him only a chauffeur. Thorn takes up his abode in Davis' dingy quarters and plays "papa" to Davis' little daughter Annie, whom Davis' neglect has left in a pitiable condition. Happiness under Thorn's tender care brings the child up for a time, but he sees she is fading away and finds an opportunity to inform Davis, who is utterly indifferent. When Davis proposes, Elsa rejects him, and he attempts to force Elsa to marry him by threatening to collect the notes he has found. Hudson promises to make Elsa agree to the marriage, but Elsa, overhearing, runs out and to save herself from a relationship which would be loathsome to her, offers the waiting Thorn fifty thousand dollars if he will marry her within an hour. When Hudson learns of her marriage, he confesses to losing her fortune and is forgiven. Finding the request of Thorn's father, which Davis drops, Elsa determines to get possession of the notes. She goes to Thorn's home and is just taking the notes from the desk when Davis enters and takes advantage of the opportunity to force his unwelcome attentions upon the girl. Little Annie dies on the day Thorn's agreement terminates. He sorrowfully relinquishes her trust and goes to the club where he is to meet Davis. Davis is late and Thorn calls him on the phone. Elsa answers the telephone and calls for help. Thorn explains to his friends that something is wrong and they hurry off to the Thorn home in time to save Elsa from Davis. Davis gets a summary dismissal, and Thorn claims his bride. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
6 cast members

Name	Known for
Edward Coxen Richard Thorn Richard Thorn See fewer	The Bells (1918)
Winifred Greenwood Elsa Dean Elsa Dean See fewer	The Mission Worker (1911)
George Field George Davis - the Cab Driver George Davis - the Cab Driver See fewer	Blood and Sand (1922)
Charles Newton Frederick Hudson - Elsa's Guardian Frederick Hudson - Elsa's Guardian See fewer	The Warning (II) (1915)
Dodo Newton Little Annie Davis Little Annie Davis See fewer	Soul Mates (1916)
Ward McAllister John Thorn - Richard's Father John Thorn - Richard's Father See fewer	Tense Moments from Great Plays (1922)