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Skuespilleren
Also known as The Actor in the USA
(1913) Denmark
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: Holger Reenberg [Robert West, the actor], Alfi Zangenberg [Mrs. Edith West], Ellen Rassow [Ellen West, the daughter], Aage Garde [Werner], Henry Seemann [von Heine]
Kinografen production; distributed by Kinografen. / Scenario by Hans Dynesen and Poul Welander. / Released 1 September 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA in 1914. The film was rereleased in the USA as The Actor by Box Office Attractions Company in [?] May? 1914.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Robert West, an actor, after his performance in “Hamlet” steps into a restaurant. Through a door leading into a private dining room he sees his wife with Vickers, a friend. Infuriated he attacks Vickers, who escapes with the actor’s wife. Contemplating suicide, the actor treads the dark streets. His old friend, the bottle, has superior allurement. The liquor steals away his senses and a newfound woman friend steals his pocket-book. Unable to pay for his drink, West is arrested. The publicity attending his troubles causes West to plunge deeper into alcoholic excess. He is so brain befuddled that he is unable to go on for his performance and he is discharged. West goes from bad to worse. Finally John Spencer, a friend, with West’s permission, takes West's little daughter Ellen to Spencer’s home, away from the evil influence of her drunken father. Five years pass and the miserable actor is now “down and out.” An old actor friend comes up and tells him about an opportunity for him to substitute in “Hamlet.” West is engaged. On the evening of the opening performance he stops for a stimulant. While he dresses, he reaches frequently for the flask in his pocket. The effect of his too frequent potations overtake him in the second act when an attack of delirium tremens comes upon him. Seeing snakes, rats and monstrous animals, he smashes the furniture and hurls chairs at his fellow actor. In a fit he falls. Some weeks later West leaves the hospital and drifts about the streets. He attends a Salvation Army meeting, one of whose officers obtains a position as stoker for him on a steamer bound for America. As he is stoking in the fiery hot engine room, the old temptation again comes upon him and he takes out his ever-present bottle. His daughter’s face appears before turn and he firmly resolves never to touch liquor again. He throws the bottle on the coal heap, where its devastating liquor trickles away. Another five years pass. West, ambitionless but sober, is working as a bootblack and wood cutter. He sees a poster announcing that the great songstress, Ellen West, gives a recital that night. After the recital he tries to embrace her. He is pushed aside roughly and from sheer emotion falls in a faint. Spencer who is with Ellen, recognizes him and filled with compassion, has the poor old wreck brought into the hotel. When he regains consciousness his eyes gaze lovingly into those of his daughter who throws her arms around him. It is the beginning of a happier day.
Survival status: The film is presumed lost.
Current rights holder: (unknown) [Denmark]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 20 August 2025.
References: Mottram-Danish p. 108 : MoPicNews-19140404 p. 16 : Website-IMDb.
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