The Lure of the Sawdust (1914)
Annette, a bare-back rider in a circus, is the object of the attentions of ringmaster Henri Dupree, whose attentions so arouse the jealousy of Marie, another performer, that she plans to cripple her rival. Placing a wire across the hoops through which Annette leaps while in performance on horseback suggests itself and Annette is seriously injured; she's taken to the hospital and the circus moves on, leaving her behind, and Dupree loses interest in her as soon as she becomes crippled. William Ward, a young farmer, witnesses the accident and becomes interested in Annette, and he and his mother call on her while she is at the hospital. Mrs. Ward, a motherly old soul, offers her a home. The young people fall in love and are married. Annette, although happily married, still feels the call of the circus, and is caught on one occasion by her husband dressed in her performing costume. A year later the circus returns and Dupree encounters Annette in the village. She is fully restored to health, and he tries to persuade her to return to the circus by making her fine promises. She is tempted, but resists. He locates her home and continues persuasion and she decides to return for just one performance. She leaves a note to this effect. Her old friends greet her warmly at her performance, and the audience goes wild over her riding. Flushed with the excitement and gratification, she listens to Dupree's importunities to continue in circus life. She remembers her baby and returns home to her husband, who has worried over her disappearance. She shows that she has put the life definitely behind her by making a dress for her baby out of her ballet costume; finding her so employed, her husband's uneasiness is relieved.
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Ricketts | Director |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Edward Coxen | |
| Winifred Greenwood | |
| George Field | |
| Charlotte Burton |
