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Life’s a Game of Cards
(1908) United States of America
B&W : One reel / 960 feet
Directed by [?] Edwin S. Porter?
Cast: William V. Ranous
Edison Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Edison Manufacturing Company. / Cinematography by [?] Edwin S. Porter? / © 6 August 1908 by Edison Manufacturing Company [H114343, H114344, H114345, H114346]. Released 12 August 1908. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Prelude: Sir John Lubbock says “Life’s a Game” like the game of cards, fate deals each hand, daily, face down. In life, “It is not always in holding a good hand but in playing a bad band well.” Our hero starts handicapped with poverty, pride and ambition. The Game of Cards: Hero at swell reception, home of woman he loves. Catches rival cheating at cards. Exposes him. Incurs host’s censure. Father takes rival’s part; orders hero from house. Forbids heroine to see him again. Planning an Elopement: Hero plays a “hand.” Meets heroine. Urges speedy marriage. They agree to elope. Overheard by rival. Part to prepare. The Villain’s “Hand:” Rival plots with “Crimps” the sailor. Hero to be “shanghaied” to Africa and turned adrift. The bargain sealed. “Clubs are Played:” Hero leaves home to meet heroine. Waylaid by “Crimps.” The attack. Valiant defense. Numbers count. Overpowered, taken to boat. The Heroine Waits: At the rendezvous heroine becomes nervous, alarmed, conflicting emotions. Misjudges hero. Believes deserted. Rival wins again. Escorts heroine home. “Shanghaied:” “Crimps” forces hero into boat. Taken to ship. Rough treatment resented. Hero beaten. Forced to work. Carried to sea. In South Africa: Off the coast. The favorable moment. Hero leaves ship, swims ashore. Reaches mining camp, receives assistance. Miners give an outfit. Starts for gold fields. “Spades are Trumps:” Hero reaches gold fields. Prospects, stakes claim, strikes it rich. Determines to return home. “Diamonds are Led:” Home of heroine. No news. Heroine sad. Still true. Rival continues to plot. Presses suit. Gains parents’ favor. Presents heroine diamond necklace. Heroine in despair. Abandons hope. Agrees to marry rival. “Hearts are Trumps:” The wedding day. Rival triumphant. Guests arrive. Heroine downcast. Bans are called. Hero appears on time. Stops wedding, exposes rival. Rival turned out. Father welcomes hero. Happy reunion. “All’s Well that Ends Well.”
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 13 December 2024.
References: Montgomery-Comedy p. ? : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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