Metamorphosis - Cast

Metamorphosis (1914)
Short | Short, Drama

Metamorphosis (1914)

Short | Short, Drama

The eccentric professor, Burr, believes that the soul of man is tied to his body by fear alone, and that, if absolute courage is found, the spirit will be able to free itself. Gray, a young society man, stimulates belief and sympathy for ...See moreThe eccentric professor, Burr, believes that the soul of man is tied to his body by fear alone, and that, if absolute courage is found, the spirit will be able to free itself. Gray, a young society man, stimulates belief and sympathy for the old man, in order to gain his assistance in winning the love of Rose, his daughter, But Rose, unknown to either, has fallen in love with a young gangster, Arthur, whose home is not far from Burr's house, a relic of the past that stands in the slum. Gray, pursuing the policy that he hopes will win Rose, entertains society that Burr may lecture on his theories, and these are favorably received by the society folk. In the meantime, through fate, Arthur and his gang come to loot the second floor of the house while all are interested in the lecture downstairs and Rose here discovers them. Arthur recognizes her and saves her through fighting and routing the two gangsters that have entered with him. When Burr and Gray rush in, Rose turns to her father, "Here is courage, father." But the courage of Arthur is physical and he quails before the look of disapprobation in the eyes of the old man. Following this, Burr engages in a vain search for courage and then, despairing of mankind, he embraces an opportunity to join a scientific expedition sailing for the unknown South Seas, although Rose bitterly protests and does not want to leave Arthur. Finally, however, when she has to choose between the gangster and her father, she decides that it is her duty to go with her parents. On the day of sailing, Arthur follows them to the wharf, and here Gray foolishly irritates the quick-tempered Arthur and would have been struck down but for the quick motion of a discarded sweetheart of Arthur's, who takes the stab. Arthur is placed in prison. Burr and Rose settle on a South Sea isle. Time passes. Hearing no word from Burr or Rose, Gray plans to search for them. On the isle Burr sees that Rose is gradually fading away, unhappy without her lover. After a while he tells her, "I'm too old for thy companion, daughter. I'll bring thee thy lover." Weakening his body through fasting, he liberates his spirit, and this spirit returns to the United States, liberates Arthur from prison, influences him to embark upon the ship that carries Gray in his search for the professor and Rose, and there prevents Gray and Arthur from recognizing each other. In the chart room the spirit unseen, with its influence unfelt yet directs the course of the ship to the isle, and then returns to the body. Rising, Burr tells Rose that he leaves her, but that her lover comes to take his place. He then falls back dead as the spirit again leaves the body. As Arthur and Gray arrive the spirit performs its last mission. Arthur's gangster impulses are conquered and the good in him brought to the surface. Gray, planning to force Rose to yield to him, is led aside under the spirit's influence. The spirit of Gray is conquered and the body of Gray, dominated by the spirit of Burr, carries Rose and Arthur back to civilization and happiness. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
9 cast members

Name	Known for
Sydney Ayres Professor Frank Burr Professor Frank Burr See fewer	The Man from Argentina (1915)
Vivian Rich Rose Burr, Frank's Daughter Rose Burr, Frank's Daughter See fewer	In Trust (1915)
Gladys Kingsbury Laura Burr, Frank's Sister Laura Burr, Frank's Sister See fewer	Her Younger Sister (1914)
Harry von Meter Arthur Gregson Arthur Gregson See fewer	Lillo of the Sulu Seas (1916)
Charlotte Burton Lill Lill See fewer	Her Younger Sister (1914)
Caroline Frances Cooke Anola, South Sea Queen (as Caroline Cooke) Anola, South Sea Queen (as Caroline Cooke) See fewer	Son of Frankenstein (1939)
Jack Richardson Philip Gray Philip Gray See fewer	The Midnight Express (1924)
Louise Lester Mrs. Gregson - Arthur's Mother Mrs. Gregson - Arthur's Mother See fewer	Calamity Anne's Dream (1913)
George Field Actor Actor See fewer	Blood and Sand (1922)