Life Behind the Scenes

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The opening picture reveals the interior of a theater where a play is being produced, and we see the actors grouped around the table bearing a sumptuous feast which is given in the palace of Louis XIV. After the play we see the man who played the part of Louis, dismantled of his royal apparel, in a cheap restaurant, dining on a few slices of sausage, washed down by a cheap substitute for wine. Next we see a stage hero of the most approved type, who evokes the greatest appreciation by his gallant deeds. Behind the scenes, his cowardice is apparent, for in a quarrel with a scene shifter, he gets the worst of the deal. A poor orphan is next seen on the stage. She is starving and implores in vain the assistance of the passersby. After the fall of the curtain the orphan meets a group of her admirers, and they take supper at a high class café amidst the splendor of riches. Next appears the Gold King of the stage. The famous financier, who can change the whole aspect of the stock market in a moment, sits conducting his affairs in the security of a luxurious office. On leaving the theater after the play, the actor receives a note from a restaurant keeper to the effect that he will not have another meal until he has settled his debts. The poor hungry artist applies to the manager for a loan on his week's salary, hut is met with a prompt refusal.