A Song from the Heart (1916)
Otto Ritter, a musician, is a failure in life from his wife's point of view because he spends his time composing worthless tunes on the organ or playing pinochle in the back room of a German saloon. Mrs. Ritter is obliged to support herself and their daughter, Katie, by taking in washing. Little Katie and her father are very affectionate, and when Ritter composes a song which he calls "A Song From the Heart" he teaches it to Katie. Katie's vocal abilities attract the attention of a prima donna who is visiting at the summer resort hotel. The diva becomes interested and offers to give Katie a musical education and also takes Mrs. Ritter along as maid. Mrs. Ritter, glad of the opportunity to get rid of her worthless husband, accepts the offer and deserts Ritter. She and Katie leave with the prima donna and Ritter is unable to trace them. Fifteen years pass. Mrs. Ritter dies and the prima donna becomes a foster mother to Kate. She places her in charge of Oscar Stein, a celebrated teacher, who develops a wonderful voice. Ritter drifts to the city. After many discouragements he interests Milton Massey, an impresario, who undertakes to produce his opera. Kate has been brought to the notice of Massey, who is interested in her. When it comes time to select a singer for the leading role in the new opera Massey favors Kate, but Ritter firmly insists on having the role sung by the most celebrated prima donna available. He vetoes the nomination of Kate and succeeds in obtaining Mme. Santos-Dore, a great diva. The rehearsals go on. On the night before the opening Mme. Santos-Dore gives a gay dinner party in celebration of "her forthcoming triumph." The next day the diva is too ill to appear in public. On the night of the performance Massey and Ritter and the rest are in a quandary when Stein, Kate's teacher, comes with a plan. He has taught Kate the prima donna's part and vouches for her ability. Circumstances force Ritter to accept Kate. Kate has her chance and wins. She becomes famous in a night. After the show Massey rives a supper on the stage to all members of the company. Each is called upon to do a "stunt." When Kate's turn comes, she sits at the piano, and playing her own accompaniment, sings "A Song From the Heart." To Ritter, who is present, it brings back memories, and when Kate tells him the circumstances in which she learned the song he realizes that he has found his daughter.
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Domestic
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International
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Worldwide
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Paul Powell | Director |
| Paul Powell | Writer |
| Siegmund Lubin | Producer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Melvin Mayo | |
| Mae Prestell | |
| Birdie Priest | |
| Elva Kinney |
