Patria -- The International Serial Supreme -- February 21, 2017

Moving Picture World, 03-February-1917

The Wharton Brothers produced Patria, a fifteen-chapter serial starring Irene Castle, for William Randolph Hearst.  Warner Oland, who made a career out of playing Asian parts, was a Japanese spy.  Baron Huroki and his spy ring wants to destroy American munitions plants, many of which are owned by Patria Channing, who was played by Irene Castle.  Milton Sills is a Secret Service agent who is after the spy ring.  At one point in the serial, the Japanese ally with Mexico to attack the United States.  While the film was being released, President Woodrow Wilson learned about the themes of the film and asked the producers to change the nationalities of many of the characters.

Irene Castle had become famous, with her husband Vernon, as a ballroom dancer.  He left the act in early 1916 to return to his native Britain, where he joined the Royal Flying Corps.  He was a successful pilot, earning the Croix de Guerre.  He was sent to Canada and then the United States to train new pilots.  He died in a flying accident in 1918.

Moving Picture World, 10-February-1917

 "Booked by KEITH'S PALACE the greatest vaudeville house in the country/Being the first motion picture serial they have ever played." 

Moving Picture World, 10-February-1917

"To escape from the island on which she has been held prisoner Patria jumps into the sea..." 

Moving Picture World, 10-February-1917

I was interested to see that San Francisco's "social leaders are guests of William Randolph Hearst" at a showing of Patria in the Garden Court of the Palace Hotel.  Many of the city's social leaders could not stand William Randolph Hearst.  The Garden Court of the Palace Hotel is a beautiful spot that serves an excellent Sunday lunch. 

The Garden Court of the Palace Hotel in February, 2014. 

Moving Picture World, 17-February-1917

"The star of Patria is Mrs. Vernon Castle/The best known woman in America."

Moving Picture World, 17-February-1917

There were society showings of Patria at the Brown Palace Hotel in Denver and the Davenport Hotel in Spokane. 

Moving Picture World, 24-February-1917

How about that outfit?  Irene Castle was known as a classy dresser. 

Moving Picture World, 24-February-1917

"The winsome personality of Mrs. Castle and her seemingly inexhaustible wardrobe of stunning creations are the outstanding features of the production..."