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  • The Lion Tamer (1909)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Lion Tamer
The Lion Tamer (1909)
Short | Short, Drama
The world's greatest thinkers have from the dawn of time considered love the strongest force in human nature: love brings out all that is best within us, and often jealousy born of the same impulses leads us to commit acts that no other ...See moreThe world's greatest thinkers have from the dawn of time considered love the strongest force in human nature: love brings out all that is best within us, and often jealousy born of the same impulses leads us to commit acts that no other force would develop. Our story deals with love and jealousy, the opening scene. "Supper Time at the Hampton Farm," reveals to the auditor that Tom Weston and Frank Fairley, two farm hands, are both in love with Farmer Hampton's pretty daughter, Mary. She shows us that her favor is apt to be given to Frank, and Weston's clouded face betrays plainer than words the gnawing jealousy that tugs at his heart strings. "Four Weeks Later" we witness a meeting at the old school house lane between Frank and Mary. Tom also happens upon the scene and overhears Mary promise to become Frank's wife. He, however, determines to know from the girl herself if this promise is final, and seizing the first opportunity, demands an interview alone. High words follow and Frank's advent leads to a quarrel in which Farmer Hampton takes a hand. Tom's violent temper causes him to threaten both the girl and the man she prefers. Farmer Hampton discharges Tom and he leaves vowing vengeance, and his strange method of fulfilling that vow is a trick fate holds in reserve for all concerned in this little domestic story. Six months have passed and things have not prospered with Weston; idleness, brooding, and strong drink have done their work and we find him traveling the dusty highway a tramp and an outcast. His wanderings lead him to stop with others of a gaping crowd, who are watching the workmen of a country circus pitch their tents, and prepare to amuse the populace. A quarrel occurs between two of the laborers, and the owner of the show discharges the instigator. Tom applies for the vacancy, secures the job and joins the show. "Six Years Later" the man's violent temper and daring disposition have at last found a fitting occupation. Tom Weston, "The Lion Tamer," the bills read. We see the former farmhand rehearsing his animals for the act he intends to use the coming tenting season. Our family group we met in the first scene are clambering into the old farm wagon, Mary and Frank with their little boy, Farmer Hampton and his sturdy wife, all bound for the circus, little dreaming of the tragedy the day will see enacted. The old-fashioned one-ring circus of twenty years ago has passed away forever, and our picture from now to its startling conclusion illustrates faithfully scenes in and around a show of this kind. "Old Enemies Meet." Frank, with his wife Mary, who leads their little boy by the hand (his big blue eyes dancing with delight at the unwonted sights the circus holds), are passing the lion's den in the menagerie top, when a voice they both remember greets them, and Tom Weston, Mary's discarded lover, stands there, garbed in the tawdry dress of a "Lion Tamer." "Don't you remember old friends? Won't you shake hands? What a handsome boy, so like his father." Frank's surprise gives way to anger as he listens to the sneering words of his former rival, and quickly passing his wife and child on to her father, who is just ahead, he turns on Weston with outspoken manliness: "You are a poor excuse of a man, Weston, even if you do make a living cowing the poor brutes behind those bars. You threatened vengeance against a woman, a brave act truly. We have no desire to renew our acquaintance with a man like you, and don't you dare to speak to a member of our family again." And Frank rejoins the others. Smarting under the deserved rebuke, Tom's anger grows. Suddenly a diabolical means of vengeance flashes across his brain: "I'll throw their brat into that cage." To think with this violent man is to act, and the startling events leading up to our final scene, tell so plainly in the picture that we prefer to leave the surprise this issue holds unheralded. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Producer
William Nicholas Selig
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jul 8, 1909
Release date
Jul 8, 1909 (United States)

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