Jim's Love for Zudora is Evident -- January 26, 2015

Moving Picture World, 30-January-1915

Thanhouser's serial The Million Dollar Mystery had been a roaring success.  In 1914, it stopped at chapter 22, promising that chapter 23 would be released at a later date.  Fans were invited to submit a solution to the mystery.  The person whose suggestion would be used to make chapter 23 would receive a $10,000 prize.  This article shows actors Sidney Bracy, Marguerite Snow and Flo La Badie, the star of the serial, sitting in a room piled with mail.  It says they had picked the winner, but his or her name would not be disclosed until the chapter was released in February. 

Moving Picture World, 02-January-1915

"Most Successful Photoplay Ever Staged!"  Thanhouser's next serial, Zudora, was not as much of a success.  "Watch for sensational developments in the new episodes of 'Zudora.'  The early episodes of this wonderful photoplay are constructed to lead up to some of the most remarkable pieces of acting in the history of motion pictures."  Does this sound like an excuse for starting slowly? 

Moving Picture World, 02-January-1915

  This item claims that Thanhouser insured leading lady Marguerite Snow after an auto accident. 

Moving Picture World, 09-January-1915

I like the design of this ad. 

Moving Picture World, 09-January-1915

The manager of the Casino Theater in Des Moines, Iowa used this gentleman to advertise Zudora.  The crystal ball is an empty fish bowl. 



Motography, 09-January-1915

"Jim, disguised as Hassam Ali, photographs Chang." 

Motography, 09-January-1915

"Chang hypnotizes Zudora." 

Motography, 09-January-1915

"Jim's love for Zudora is evident." 

Moving Picture World, 16-January-1915

"In episode No. 8 James Cruze is transformed into the dashing and inspiring hero that made him famous in 'The Million Dollar Mystery.'"  Was this an effort to revive audience interest by making it more like the successful Million Dollar Mystery?

Moving Picture World, 16-January-1915

People like cat pictures ;0)

Moving Picture World, 16-January-1915

"One of the features of 'Zudora' is the attention given to the furnishings of Hassam's home.  Certainly there is no material which in richness seems so strongly to appeal to the camera as teakwood." 

Moving Picture World, 23-January-1915

I like Zudora's expression.  "Thrills, Thrills, THRILLS."

Moving Picture World, 23-January-1915

They lost one of the Persian cats.  "Director Hansel fails to see anything funny about it." 

Motography, 23-January-1915

"Zudora returns the visit of 'the woman of mystery.'"

Motography, 23-January-1915

"Jim, disguised as Hassam Ali, meets Madame Duval." 

Motography, 23-January-1915

"Zudora learns where the little heiress is held prisoner." 

Moving Picture World, 30-January-1915

"James Cruze -- The Hero!"  Not only is James Cruze now the hero, but Sidney Bracy and Frank Farrington, who were in The Million Dollar Mystery.  Have joined the cast.  I get the feeling that Thanhouser was trying to recapture the elements that made the old serial a success. 

Moving Picture World, 30-January-1915

The dollar amount could have been exaggerated.