|
Vampire of the Desert
(1913) United States of America
B&W : Two reels
Directed by Charles L. Gaskill
Cast: Helen Gardner [Lispeth, vampire of the desert], Tefft Johnson [William Corday, the vampire’s victim], Harry T. Morey [Ishmael], James Morrison [Derrick Corday, William’s son], Leah Baird [Mrs. William Corday], Flora Finch
The Vitagraph Company of America production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / From the poem “The Vampire” by Rudyard Kipling. / Released 16 May 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [From Vitagraph promotional materials] This powerful photo-drama forms a two-part feature. Featuring the world’s moving picture star, Miss Helen Gardner. This story shows, above all else, the actual nature of the coquette, and, although the case taken is an extreme one, teaches the danger of playing with fire. // [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Ishmael, the son of Hagar, an old hag, living on the edge of the desert, falls completely under the charms of Lispeth, a vampire. One day there passes the miserable hut in which these three strange people live, a wealthy banker, named William Corday, his wife and son. Derrick. Lispeth wields her magic power over the husband and soon has him in her power. When he attempts to kiss her, she repulses him. So clever is she that the wife has no idea of her husband’s unfaithfulness. Acceding to the wishes of Lispeth to be taken away from her humble abode, the banker and his wife take her to the city and give her a home with them. In fashionable dress her fascinating powers seem doubled, and one day in his study the husband beseeches Lispeth to flee with him. This is overheard by the son, who denounces his father. In order that the son should not tell his mother, Lispeth assures him that it was with him whom his father wanted her to flee. The son, believing this, embraces Lispeth, but is thrown aside by the angry father. Then Lispeth tells the father that she had to win the son over in order that he should not tell his mother. Lispeth continues her play with the father and son; but at length arranges to elope with the old man. Just as they are leaving the house, Lispeth is interrupted by the son. Father and son are facing an awkward situation, when Ishmael arrives and takes Lispeth back home. In a maniacal burst of fury, Ishmael takes her life.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Vamps
Listing updated: 14 December 2024.
References: Website-IMDb.
|
