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The Road to the Heart
(1909) United States of America
B&W : Split-reel
Directed by D.W. Griffith
Cast: David Miles [Miguel, a wealthy ranchero], Anita Hendrie [Vinuella, Miguel’s wife], Florence Lawrence [a Mexican woman]], Herbert Yost [Jose, a poor Mexican], John R. Cumpson [a Chinese man], Arthur V. Johnson [a cowboy], Mack Sennett [a cowpuncher], Clara T. Bracy, James Kirkwood
American Mutoscope & Biograph Company production; distributed by American Mutoscope & Biograph Company. / Scenario by [?] D.W. Griffith? Cinematography by Arthur Marvin. / © 31 March 1909 by American Mutoscope & Biograph Company [H125115]. Released 5 April 1909; in a split-reel with Trying to Get Arrested (1909). / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Comedy.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Wealthy old ranchero Miguel disapproves of his daughter’s marriage to poor Mexican Jose’ and drives them from his house. His wife Vinuella resents this and leaves with them. This sends Miguel into a fury, but still obdurate, he allows them to go, saying that he can get along without them. Now comes the crucial condition. He must have a housekeeper and so sends his servant to engage one. The first is a Chinese man, and to eat the food he serves is impossible. Next comes an Irish girl who burns his chops. Finally a cowpuncher cooks a steak uncuttable with a chisel; when Miguel refuses to eat it, the incensed cowboy becomes a veritable tornado of uproarious, volcanic, ferocious exacerbation, and Miguel fears for his life. This cyclonic, fire-eating Bombastes Furioso pulls a couple of guns and puts bullet holes in everything, otherwise wrecks the place, and leaves the trembling ranchero more dead than alive from fright. Miguel makes his way disconsolately and sheepishly to his daughter's and son-in-law's cabin, where he finds them seated enjoying a peaceful repast. The savory aroma from the well-cooked viands is too alluring and he at once relents for the sake of a hearty meal.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 21 December 2024.
References: Barry-Griffith p. 41; Spehr-American p. 3 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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