The Taming of Rita (1915)
She is an irrepressible tomboy, but also a very sweet, lovable girl. Her brother Frank loves the little hoyden dearly and always takes her part against their mother and aristocratic big sister Laura, who both despair of her ever becoming the sedate, proper lady they want. Frank invites Leslie Gray, just returned from a trip around the world, to their home for a weekend. When mother and Laura hear of this, they decide at once, despite Frank's protests, to banish Rita to the country. Actually, Laura feared that Rita might prove more attractive to the young man than she would. But Rita enjoys herself heartily at the little country place. She spies a "No Trespassing" sign in another lot and goes right over the fence and proceeds to explore. The crabby old owner sends his farmhand to drive her off, but he loses his heart to her on the spot. A charming love affair is soon in progress, though Rita feels she can never forgive him for literally smoking her out of one of the forbidden trees. About this time, mother sends for Rita to come home, for Frank has received word that his friend is ill. Rita goes reluctantly. Several days later, the wealthy young man arrives on his postponed visit--and proves to be the "farmhand." Mother is horrified, and words cannot describe Laura's feelings. Rita pretends anger, but Leslie simply follows her to her favorite perch in the branches of the old apple tree, and when she proves obdurate to all his coaxing, he threatens to "smoke her out" again. She then laughingly comes down and into his arms. They go back to the house, and when they announce their desire to get married, mother, after the first shock, consoles herself with the thought that Rita has made the "catch of the season."
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Domestic
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Worldwide
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GenresComedy
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Ulysses Davis | Director |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Patricia Palmer | |
| Gayne Whitman | |
| Gretchen Lederer | |
| Jack Mower |
