“Michael” and the Tension of Lacking Tension
It is not hard to make a musical biopic that pleases audiences and draws a profit. Michael is no exception.
The Spider's Web (1912)
Banker Graham Lawlor is convinced to invest in Silver Shield Mines and becomes president, unaware that promoters Harris, Brennen, and Lester are frauds. He asks his son, Trevor, a small-town lawyer, to join as secretary. Trevor suspects foul play, warns his father, and returns to his practice after a disagreement. Lester, one of the promoters, woos and abandons his stenographer, Brenda Wray. When rumors surface about the mine’s instability, the promoters attempt to place blame on Lawlor. Knowing he holds documents to clear his name, they bribe his servant to steal them. Brenda, seeking justice from Lester, overhears the plan and informs Trevor. Lawlor’s servant, Thompson, is caught, confesses, and clears Lawlor’s name, leading to the arrest of Harris, Brennen, and Lester.
- / 5
PopScore
Representation
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Movie Information
Banker Graham Lawlor is convinced to invest in Silver Shield Mines and becomes president, unaware that promoters Harris, Brennen, and Lester are frauds. He asks his son, Trevor, a small-town lawyer, to join as secretary. Trevor suspects foul play, warns his father, and returns to his practice after a disagreement. Lester, one of the promoters, woos and abandons his stenographer, Brenda Wray. When rumors surface about the mine’s instability, the promoters attempt to place blame on Lawlor. Knowing he holds documents to clear his name, they bribe his servant to steal them. Brenda, seeking justice from Lester, overhears the plan and informs Trevor. Lawlor’s servant, Thompson, is caught, confesses, and clears Lawlor’s name, leading to the arrest of Harris, Brennen, and Lester.
Rating:
Genre:Horror, Crime
Written By:
In Theaters:5/14/1912
Box Office:
Runtime:12 minutes
Studio:Vitagraph Company of America
Cast
Van Dyke Brooke, Maurice Costello
Director
Maurice Costello
Trevor Lawlor - A Young Attorney
Charles Eldridge
Graham Lawlor - Trevor's Father
Van Dyke Brooke
Harris - A Swindler
Earle Williams
Lester - A Swindler
Hal Wilson
Brennan - A Swindler
Leah Baird
Brenda Wray - Lester's Stenographer
Zena Keefe
William Shea
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