Moonlight and Honeysuckle

Moonlight and Honeysuckle
lobby poster
Directed byJoseph Henabery
Written byBarbara Kent (scenario)
Based onMoonlight and Honeysuckle
by George Scarborough
StarringMary Miles Minter
Monte Blue
CinematographyFaxon M. Dean
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • July 1921 (1921-07)
Running time
5 reels
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Moonlight and Honeysuckle is a 1921 American silent romantic comedy film directed by Joseph Henabery and starring Mary Miles Minter and Monte Blue. It was adapted by Barbara Kent from the 1919 stage play of the same name by George Scarborough.[1] As with many of Minter's features, it is thought to be a lost film.[2]

Plot

Scene from "Moonlight and Honeysuckle" (1921) starring Mary Miles Minter

As described in various film magazine reviews,[3][4][5][6] Judith Baldwin (Minter) lives on the Arizona ranch owned by her father (Louis). When her father is elected as senator and moves to Washington, Judith accompanies him, leaving behind ranch hand Tod Musgrove (Blue), who is in love with her.

In Washington Judith attracts the attention of two suitors; Congressman Hamill (Oliver) and Robert Courtney (Boyd). Her father is keen for her to make a choice so that he can pursue his own relationship with the widowed Mrs. Langley (Van Buren), who refuses to marry him until Judith is out of the picture. Unsure which man to choose, Judith comes up with the idea of a "trial marriage" for each man at her aunt's woodland cabin, chaperoned by her old nurse.

Judith soon decides that Congressman Hamill is terribly boring and not the man for her. However, a servant at the lodge has recognised him and reported his presence to the newspapers, claiming that he has eloped with Judith. When the news appears in the papers, Hamill is forced to travel to the village to telephone through a denial; however, the published news has brought Courtney to the lodge ahead of his allotted time, as well as Tod Musgrove, who is determined to win Judith.

In the meantime, Senator Baldwin has secretly wed Mrs. Langley, and they arrive at the lodge anticipating a quiet honeymoon. Instead they find their daughter, her two Washington suitors, the assembled press, and Tod, who is threatening to shoot both men. Rejected by Judith and threatened by Tod, Hamill and Courtney depart swiftly, leaving Judith to decide upon Tod as the only husband for her.

Cast

References

  1. ^ "Minter Vehicle Released". Motion Picture News. 23 (26). New York City: Motion Picture News, Inc.: [1] June 18, 1921.
  2. ^ The Library of Congress/FIAF American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: Moonlight and Honeysuckle
  3. ^ "Reviews: Moonlight and Honeysuckle". Wid's Daily. 17 (23). New York: Wid’s Film and Film Folks inc: 16. July 24, 1921.
  4. ^ "The Complete Plan Book: Moonlight and Honeysuckle". Motion Picture News. 24 (7). New York City: Motion Picture News, Inc.: [2] August 6, 1921.
  5. ^ "Newest Reviews and Comments: Moonlight and Honeysuckle". Moving Picture World. 51 (8). New York City: Chalmers Publishing Company: [3]. August 20, 1921.
  6. ^ "Reviews: Mary Miles Minter in Moonlight and Honeysuckles". Exhibitors Herald. 13 (4). Chicago: Exhibitors Herald Co.: [4] July 23, 1921.