A Gentleman of Leisure (1915)
Comedy | 1 March 1915
The scenario was based on the 1910 novel, The Intrusion of Jimmy by P. G. Wodehouse, and the 1911 stage adaptation, A Gentleman of Leisure by Wodehouse and John Stapleton.
Theatrical star Henry Woodruff, also known as Harry Woodruff, was initially signed by the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Co. for the title role. His departure from New York City to Lasky Studios in Hollywood, CA, was reported in the 12 Dec 1914 Motion Picture News. Principal photography was underway soon after, as noted in the 2 Jan 1915 issue. However, on 16 Jan 1915, the [Salt Lake City, UT] Deseret News reported that stage star Wallace Eddinger was currently on his way to California after Woodruff had taken ill. It was later determined that Woodruff suffered from Bright’s Disease. The 5 Feb 1915 [Cedar Rapids, IA] Evening Gazette claimed that Eddinger was offered one of the highest salaries in the film industry for his services. According to the 20 Feb 1915 edition, Eddinger and co-star Billy Elmer were handcuffed together for a scene, then abandoned by the property man, who had the only key. The two actors had to be fed their lunch by coworkers and were unable to play any further scenes until the property man returned from his errands. An article in the 7 Feb 1915 [Helena, MT] Independent Record credited Lasky director general Cecil B. DeMille with casting Billy Elmer. DeMille was also listed in copyright records as a contributor to the scenario. A cast member billed as “Mr. Machin” may have ...
The scenario was based on the 1910 novel, The Intrusion of Jimmy by P. G. Wodehouse, and the 1911 stage adaptation, A Gentleman of Leisure by Wodehouse and John Stapleton.
Theatrical star Henry Woodruff, also known as Harry Woodruff, was initially signed by the Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Co. for the title role. His departure from New York City to Lasky Studios in Hollywood, CA, was reported in the 12 Dec 1914 Motion Picture News. Principal photography was underway soon after, as noted in the 2 Jan 1915 issue. However, on 16 Jan 1915, the [Salt Lake City, UT] Deseret News reported that stage star Wallace Eddinger was currently on his way to California after Woodruff had taken ill. It was later determined that Woodruff suffered from Bright’s Disease. The 5 Feb 1915 [Cedar Rapids, IA] Evening Gazette claimed that Eddinger was offered one of the highest salaries in the film industry for his services. According to the 20 Feb 1915 edition, Eddinger and co-star Billy Elmer were handcuffed together for a scene, then abandoned by the property man, who had the only key. The two actors had to be fed their lunch by coworkers and were unable to play any further scenes until the property man returned from his errands. An article in the 7 Feb 1915 [Helena, MT] Independent Record credited Lasky director general Cecil B. DeMille with casting Billy Elmer. DeMille was also listed in copyright records as a contributor to the scenario. A cast member billed as “Mr. Machin” may have been William Machin.
A Gentleman of Leisure was released on 1 Mar 1915, preceded by openings on 2 Feb 1915 at the Pastime Theatre in Lumberton, NC, on 27 Feb 1915 at Alfred Hamburger’s Ziegfeld Theatre in Chicago, IL, on 28 Feb 1915 at the Strand Theatre in New York City, and followed by an opening during the week of 7 Mar 1915 at Tally’s Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.
The picture was remade by Lasky in 1923. An unrelated short subject bearing the same title was released in 1914.
According to the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF) Treasures from the Film Archives database, this film is extant.
Young playboy Robert Pitt makes a bet with friends at a restaurant that he will obtain, within twenty-four hours, a photograph of Molly Creedon with an affectionate inscription. Because Robert and Molly have never met, he makes several unsuccessful attempts to steal a photograph. He eventually resorts to hiring a burglar, who attempts a jewel theft and leaves Robert with the blame. However, Robert brings the criminal to justice, then wins Molly as well as the bet. ...
Young playboy Robert Pitt makes a bet with friends at a restaurant that he will obtain, within twenty-four hours, a photograph of Molly Creedon with an affectionate inscription. Because Robert and Molly have never met, he makes several unsuccessful attempts to steal a photograph. He eventually resorts to hiring a burglar, who attempts a jewel theft and leaves Robert with the blame. However, Robert brings the criminal to justice, then wins Molly as well as the bet.
Viewed by AFI
Partially Viewed
Offscreen Credit
Name Occurs Before Title
AFI Life Achievement AwardTOP SEARCHES
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
According to HR news items, "The Gentleman from Montana" (an unpublished story by Lewis R. Foster, alternately called "The Gentleman from Wyoming" by both contemporary and modern ... >>
It's a Wonderful Life
Philip Van Doren Stern's story, which, according to many contemporary and modern sources, was originally written in Nov 1939, was enclosed by him in his 1943 Christmas cards. Although ... >>
Psycho
Actor Vaughn Taylor's surname is misspelled "Tayler" in the onscreen credits. Several Jun and Jul 1959 HR news items erroneously refer to the film as Psyche. ... >>
Fame
The last name of principal dancer Ranko Yokoyama is misspelled "Yokoyana."
The film is divided into five acts indicated by title cards stating: “The Auditions,” “Freshman Year,” “Sophomore ... >>
Batman Returns
According to a 14 Jun 1992 LAT article, Warner Bros. was very eager for Tim Burton to direct the sequel to his 1989 film Batman ... >>
