The Wishing Ring: An Idyll of Old England (1914)

Giles Bateson is expelled from college for misconduct. His angry father, the Earl, sends him a message: "Never let me see you again until you have earned a half crown and proven yourself ... See full summary »

Director:

Maurice Tourneur

Writers:

Owen Davis (play), Maurice Tourneur (scenario)

Stars:

Vivian Martin, Alec B. Francis, Chester Barnett

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview:
Vivian Martin	...	Sally, The Parson's Daughter
Alec B. Francis	...	The Earl Of Bateson
Chester Barnett	...	The Earl's Son, Giles
Gyp Williams	...	The Orphan
Simeon Wiltsie	...	The Parson
Walter Morton	...	Mr. Annesley
Johnny Hines	...	A Jolly Boy (as John Hines)

Storyline

Giles Bateson is expelled from college for misconduct. His angry father, the Earl, sends him a message: "Never let me see you again until you have earned a half crown and proven yourself worthy of confidence." Giles meets Sally, the parson's daughter, who believes Giles to be the gardener. On a walk, they meet some gypsies, who show Sally a "magical ring." Giles buys it for her, and Sally comes to believe in its power when her wishes -- such as for a new dress and shoes to wear to the Earl's party for the villagers -- come true, although actually Giles is responsible. At the party, Sally accidentally discovers the note from the Earl and realizes who Giles really is. She determines to reconcile father and son, and begins visiting the Earl each day to play chess and distract him from the pain he suffers from gout. The gypsies tell her that she can find an herbal cure at Devil's Cliff, but when Sally doesn't return home, a search party finds her lying unconscious by the herb. The Earl is...

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Plot Keywords:

father son relationship | employment | based on play

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1914 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Wishing Ring

Filming Locations:

Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shubert Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

54 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Maurice Tourneur deserves more credit in film history!

Almost all credit for inventing the language of cinema is given to the admittedly brilliant D.W. Griffith. This has led to other pioneers being over-looked. There are many Australian film-makers for instance who are rarely mentioned in film histories (did you know that the Tait brothers made the world's first feature film in 1906 "The Story of the Kelly Gang"?). Perhaps more surprisingly over-looked is Maurice Tourneur (who was not Australian!), who, in mini-masterpieces like "The Wishing Ring", displays a command of cinema language that is astonishingly advanced. This charming and beautifully filmed gem is an absolute must-see (the Grapevine Video version is very good). Editing, lighting, cinematography, and skill in story-telling are all outstanding. And it's funny too! See it!