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The Ruling Passion
(1910) United States of America
B&W : One reel / 950 feet
Directed by William F. Haddock
Cast: Francis Ford [Tony Valero], Edith Storey [Clarita Montez], William Clifford [Jose Rodriguez], Henry Stanley [Senor Montez, Clarita’s father]
Méliès Star-Film [American] production; distributed by [?] Méliès Star-Film [American]? / Produced by Gaston Méliès. Scenario by Robert Goodman. Cinematography by William Paley. / Released 30 June 1910. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Western-Romance.
Synopsis: [The Moving Picture World, 25 June 1910, page ?] Tony Valero, a lusty young vaquero, is enamored of Clarita Montes, whose father is fairly well off, as the middle class Mexicans figure. Clarita prefers Tony to her numerous admirers, but the father has selected, for his future son-in-law, a young dandy called Jose Rodreguis, who has a certain amount of money which allows him more ease than his neighbors. Jose trades upon this fact and presses his attentions upon Clarita. He bitterly resents her preference for Tony and does all in his power to belittle his rival. Tony is the proud possessor of a pie-bald horse, whose fame is known throughout the province, so that none will race against him; as his prowess has been tested on several occasions, hence Tony is deprived of the source of revenue which might accrue from bets made against this animal. One day Tony and Jose have an encounter in the cactus field, where the former is engaged in preparing this product for the use of cattle. Manuel, the father, separates them and orders Tony away, while he condoles with Jose upon his discomfiture. That evening, when the day’s work is over, the rivals meet again in front of Clarita’s house. Tony demands to know why Manuel prefers the indolent Jose to himself, and is told that it is on account of the former’s money. Tony gains permission to call upon Clarita if he succeeds in making enough money to outshine his rival, whereupon he challenges Jose to a race. Jose is well aware of the success of Tony’s horse and is afraid to bet, whereupon the latter is in despair. One day, when Tony is nearing his home, he is accosted by Clarita, who has been planning their mutual happiness. She tells Tony that if his horse was disguised that he could easily get a race, and suggests that they paint it black. Tony agrees to try the plan and secures a can of paint with which they mark out the white spots upon the animal, after which he is entirely changed, so that none knows him. Jose, seeing the strange horse, taunts Tony with his appearance and offers to bet his money in a race against the animal. Tony appears to be reluctant, but finally agrees and rushes off to pawn his silver-mounted saddle, a Mexican’s dearest possession, so that he may obtain money with which to bet. He also sells his sombrero, and is surprised and pleased when Clarita gives him money which she has raised on her jewels, in a like manner. The race is run and Tony’s horse wins. Jose is disgraced and disgusted, particularly as he has bet all he had upon the result. He tries to injure Tony, but is ordered off the track. Tony is not certain of his reception at Manuel’s house, and so he plans an elopement with Clarita. This is consummated, but Jose happens along and sees the ladder at Clarita’s window. He arouses Manuel and they set off in pursuit of the lovers. They arrive too late, however, as a friendly priest has just united them, and, after some arguing and a display of Tony’s recently acquired wealth, he is forgiven and the father gives them his blessing.
Reviews: [Film Index, 2 July 1910, page ?] The race scenes are particularly stirring in this picture, and the scenes of Mexican village life, of work in the cactus fields, of the adobe houses, of the patrias, haciendas, and missions are good enough to be released as scenic or industrial films. The length of the Méliès reels are limited to 950 feet, and The Ruling Passion was trimmed from 1,350 feet of negative to this regular length, so that there are never long-drawn-out exits, or monotonous scenes which contain nothing of interest.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Mexicans - Mexico
Listing updated: 29 June 2023.
References: Thompson-Star pp. 38, 102-104, 228 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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