Early American film-making quickly set its market during the nickelodeon years on the lower classes, the people who could not afford a dollar for a seat in a legitimate theater, the foreigner who could not follow long swathes of dialogue, but would understand pantomime and poverty. British film-making, in contrast, strove for respectability. When it directed its efforts at the lower classes, it often took a lecturing tone. As a result, Robert Paul made the old Magic Lantern abolitionist show, BUY YOUR OWN CHERRIES into a movie in 1904.
By the early 1910s, both national markets expanded for greater profits, but remnants of earlier attitudes remained, and this one definitely offers that message, with its posters on the wall proclaiming that Britain needs volunteers for the War and the ruinous effect on home and health of drink. Travers definitely overacts in the throes of delirium tremens, as does Blanche Forsythe. As Goldwyn was said to have said, if you want to send a message, use Western Union, and this four-reel story lays it on good and hard.
