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The Three Wise Men
(1913) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Colin Campbell
Cast: Thomas Santschi (Tom Santschi) [William Owens, the wealthy rounder], Bessie Eyton [Nellie, the Salvation Army lass; The Virgin Mary], Guy Oliver [Horace Johnson], Edith Johnson [Madge Fields], Wheeler Oakman [The Devil], William P. Hutchinson (William Hutchison) [the first wise man], Eddie James [the second wise man], Frank M. Clark (Frank Clark) [the third wise man], Fred Huntley [a man at the door; and Jesus Christ], William Seiter (William A. Seiter) [Joseph], Wallace Brownlow
The Selig Polyscope Company, Incorporated, production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Scenario by Anthony McGuire (William Anthony McGuire). / Released 5 February 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / Johnson’s film debut.
Drama.
Synopsis: [From Selig promotional materials] A few years ago J.J. Tissot dawned upon the world of art with new views of the Holy Land through modern eyes, that was startlingly realistic. In this charming little miracle play in which a wealthy rounder is transported from the Great White Way to the lonely desert to meditate upon the holy truths of a little pamphlet a Salvation Army lass has thrust in his careless hand, the three wise men come out of the East, on camels as of old, and impress the scornful eye of doubt. The young man follows them under the guiding star of Bethlehem, to their destination, but is refused admission to the lonely stable until he cleanses his soul. Then he awakens from his dream, sanctified by the lesson of the ages.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 22 February 1913, page ?] A curious and exceptional miracle picture with, among others, two wonderfully beautiful scenes after famous paintings. The first of these is “The First Christmas,” and the other is from the even more widely known “Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock.” In its inner meaning and in every detail it is true, sweet and reverent and we are certain that it will please everyone whose opinion is worth while. It is a Christmas story beginning in Chicago, where a clubman dreams that he is a witness of the journey of the three wise men and of their adoration at the manger. Thomas Santschi is the clubman; Bessie Eyton. the Salvation Army lassie and also the Virgin. Fred W. Huntly plays in one scene a very faintly visioned Christ, and in another the one who stands at the door. W. Hutchinson, E. James and Frank Clark are the wise men. W. Seiter is Joseph. Frank Clark plays as the devil. The camera work is of high order.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 12 February 2024.
References: Website-IMDb.
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