Double Trouble (1915 film)

Double Trouble is a 1915 American silent romantic comedy film written and directed by Christy Cabanne, produced by D.W. Griffith, and starring Douglas Fairbanks in one of his earliest motion pictures. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Herbert Quick. The plot, a variant on the theme of Jekyll and Hyde, revolves around a very shy, "effeminate" banker who acquires a second, rakish and flirtatious personality after receiving a blow on the head. The film was a popular and critical success.[1]

Double Trouble
Newspaper advertisement
Directed byChristy Cabanne
Written byChristy Cabanne
Based onDouble Trouble
1906 novel
by Herbert Quick
Produced byD. W. Griffith
StarringDouglas Fairbanks
CinematographyWilliam Fildew
Music byJoseph Carl Breil
Production
company
Fine Arts Film Company
Distributed byTriangle Distributing
Release date
  • December 5, 1915 (1915-12-05)
Running time
50 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguagesSilent
English intertitles

A print of the film is held by the Cohen Media Group.[2]

Plot summary

The plot revolves around Florian Amidon, a shy and timid banker who goes on vacation only to be assaulted, robbed, and knocked unconscious. When he finally wakes up, he finds himself in the bustling oil town of Bakerstown with no memory of how he got there and a five-year gap in his life.

Confused and disoriented, Florian enlists the help of his friend, Judge Blodgett, and together they seek the assistance of Madame Leclaire, a clairvoyant. Madame Leclaire puts Florian in a trance, and to everyone's surprise, he awakens as a man named Mr. Brassfield. Mr. Brassfield recounts his experience of waking up in Bakerstown after the head injury, completely unaware of his past and even his own name. Embracing his new identity, Mr. Brassfield strikes oil and amasses great wealth, ultimately being nominated for the position of mayor.

However, as Mr. Brassfield becomes involved in romantic affairs and unscrupulous business dealings, the old judge and Madame Leclaire recognize the need to bring Florian Amidon back. They return to Bakerstown, hoping that Florian can take back control of his life as the respected banker he once was. Unfortunately, Florian struggles to handle the ambitious business empire created by Mr. Brassfield.

With the clairvoyant's intervention, Florian temporarily transforms back into Mr. Brassfield, displaying great success in both business and politics. However, he also reveals unscrupulous behavior, such as unjustly treating a poor man who resisted bribery and engaging in flirtatious behavior with other women while being committed to his sweetheart.

Recognizing the need for balance and redemption, the clairvoyant works to merge the two identities of Florian Amidon and Mr. Brassfield. As Florian, he saves a struggling family from a gas leak and secures the release of an innocent man from jail. Additionally, with the clairvoyant's guidance, Florian reconciles with his sweetheart, explaining that the process will lead to a harmonious blending of their respective qualities, with the negative aspects neutralized.

Cast

References
  1. John T. Soister (2012). American Silent Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Feature Films, 1913–1929. McFarland. pp. 158–160. ISBN 978-0-7864-8790-5.
  2. Double Trouble at silentera.com


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