The Fable of the Wandering Boy and the Wayward Parents (1917)
From a small seat of learning where even the consumption of water was regulated by the curators there was cast forth on the turbulent sea of worldly strife a youth, Elmer, by baptism. Teeming with big ideas was an accomplishment which had rendered Elmer immune from any contamination by the curriculum. No sooner had the flow of family welcome been staunched than he gave vent to his pent-up emotions, exposing to the fire of criticism his yearning for a wider pasture to gambol in. In spite of the mater's apprehensive visions of vampires, cabarets and improper comrades, his telling arguments and debating society gestures had their effect. With a promise to spurn temptation's flirtatious advances he parlor-carred to the wider scope. Lured by three ukulele thrummers from the old Alma Mater, he succumbs to their invitation to spend an evening. A meeting of the Civic Improvement League proves to be the main bout, and nothing more exciting occurs than making the acquaintances of an heiress. With her as his inspiration, he eventually becomes the dominating factor in a struggle against social obnoxities. Nuptials naturally follow, since Elmer is now wearing a frock coat and a thoughtful and detached air. Imagine, then, his utter horror upon returning to the birthplace, to find it in the last stages of a virulent attack of speed. Haste in all its most compromising forms had superseded all other activities. The most indisputable evidence being father's position as president of the Country Club, while mother whiles her afternoons at bridge. Though Elmer's "What-are-we-coming-to" pose makes him the butt of many gentle jests, he persists until an exclusive soiree is given by mother for the benefit of those appreciating terpsichore unhindered by convention. He then wends his way back to wife and the sane life of the city, convinced that "sobriety is a sister to solitude and speed no respecter of persons."
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Richard Foster Baker | Director |
| George Ade | Writer |
| Charles J. McGuirk | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Rod La Rocque | |
| Robert Bolder | |
| Marian Skinner | |
| Magna Anderson |
