The Prima Donna's Special (1917) [NR]

Featuring:
Helen Gibson, George A. Williams, Lillian Lorraine

Written by:
Herman A. Blackman

Directed by:
Walter Morton


Release Date:
February 10, 1917

Original Title:
The Prima Donna's Special

Genres:
Thriller

Production Companies:
Kalem Company

Production Countries:
United States of America

Ratings / Certifications:
US: NR 

Runtime: 18

Helen, station agent and telegraph operator at Lone Point, is in despair over a broken sounder when Morley, who has dropped off a passing freight, offers to fix it for her. Recognizing in him a man whose skill points back to happier days, Helen encourages him to tell her his story, promising to get him the position of relief operator if he cares to accept it. Morley's story takes him back several years to the time when he gave up his position as an operator following the death of his wife. He has never seen his little daughter since turning her over to the care of a rich brother.

Helen, station agent and telegraph operator at Lone Point, is in despair over a broken sounder when Morley, who has dropped off a passing freight, offers to fix it for her. Recognizing in him a man whose skill points back to happier days, Helen encourages him to tell her his story, promising to get him the position of relief operator if he cares to accept it. Morley's story takes him back several years to the time when he gave up his position as an operator following the death of his wife. He has never seen his little daughter since turning her over to the care of a rich brother. Later Morley is installed as Helen's relief. While Helen is on duty she sees Morley through the station window talking to some tramps. He shakes his head in an emphatic negative. That same day Helen gets a wire that Mile. Gazle, traveling on her "special," will pass through Lone Point. The tramps board the engine of the fast freight and throw the engineer and fireman out in an endeavor to uncouple some cars loaded with silk. Helen receives word that the runaway is headed towards Lone Point. With "Dad" Morley's help she appropriates an auto standing at the station and races down the track to meet it. Morley pilots the car as near the train as he can and Helen, straining every nerve, leaps the gap and brings the engine to a standstill just in time to save the "special" with the prima donna aboard. She proves to be Morley's daughter and there is a reunion.

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