This page was last modified on 24 February 2013, at 02:15
Kalem Advertisement for "The Belle of New Orleans"
Photo Credit: Moving Picture World 11 (1912): 754.
The Belle of New Orleans is a silent film produced by the Kalem Company released on March 15, 1912. [1] This picture was completely filmed and produced in New Orleans from the Kalem Company’s film studio along Bayou St. John. The actors and actresses in this film included Tom Moore, Gene Gauntier, J.P. McGowen, Lottie Pickford, and Eileen Errol. George Le Soir, director and Broadway star, was the leader of the Kalem film crew from the winter of 1911 to May 1912. [2] The Kalem Company began filming on January 11, 1912 at the Old Jockey Club, also known as the Luling Mansion located at 1436 Leda. [3] .
Plot Synopsis
This story of unrequited love takes place in New Orleans under French rule. Comte
de Breard (J.P. McGowen), a poor nobleman, falls in love with Delaphine (Gene
Gauntier), the daughter of a rich man named George Huguet. Delaphine does not
accept the comte’s advances despite his favor with her father. In order to
impress Delaphine and regain his fortune, the comte “tries his hand at
cards, but loses to a mysterious stranger.” [4]
The next day, Delaphine loses a pearl necklace while out horse riding. The
stranger finds the necklace, returns it to Delaphine, and instantly falls in
love with her. The stranger is introduced to Delaphine’s father, who then
invites him to attend a party the next day.
At the party, Comte de Breard discovers the relationship between Delaphine and
the stranger. For revenge, the comte “denounces the newcomer before the
guests, stating that he is a common gamester.” [5] The stranger is then removed from the party.
Delaphine refuses to believe the charges against the stranger, and later plans a
successful elopement. When Delaphine’s father and the comte learn about
the elopement, they follow the two lovers but are unable to stop the ceremony.
Delaphine and the stranger greet them, and the stranger reveals his identity by
announcing that he is the Comte de Charmon. [6]
Reception
An advertisement in the Idaho Statesman from Boise, Idaho calls The Belle of New Orleans “without exception one of the most sensational pictures ever produced.” [7] Also, a newspaper from Columbus, Georgia noted the “beautiful and interesting backgrounds” of New Orleans. [8]
Works Cited
- “Licensed Release Dates.” Moving Picture World 11 (1912): 754.
- Poole, Ed E., and Susan T. Poole. “Silent Era of Louisiana Filmmaking.” In Louisiana Film History: The First Hundred Years (1896-1996), Harvey, LA: Learn About Network, L.L.C., 2012. 21-22.
- Times Picayune Jan 11 1911: web.
- “Licensed Film Stories.” Moving Picture World 11 (1912): 890.
- “Licensed Film Stories.” Moving Picture World 11 (1912): 890.
- “Licensed Film Stories.” Moving Picture World 11 (1912): 890.
- “Advertisement.” Idaho Statesman (Boise). March 31, 1912. 2.
- “Burial of the Maine, A Glorious Picture Will Be Shown at American, “The Belle of New Orleans.”“ The Columbus Enquirer-Sun. May 5, 1912.
VIEW PLACE PROFILE
