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"The Pay Train" (1915) - hidden gem
Helen Holmes
This film is part of our series 'Hidden Gems'. It can be watched by registered users who make a donation. For more details, please click here.
We have included this film in our program to illustrate the work and contributions of our star Helen Holmes.
"The Pay Train" directed by J.P. McGowan from a story by Edward T. Matlack, is a short action drama from a serial by the name of "The Hazards of Helen" starring Helen Holmes. This is episode 31 from a total of 119 weekly one reel films produced by Kalem, showing just how popular this serial was in 1914-1917. The first 48 films starred Helen Holmes, the remaining 71 starred Helen Gibson. They both played heroines that were independent and adventurous, resolving dangerous situations with quick thinking. Their acting was very physical and they performed their often very dangerous stunts. It is believed to be the longest film series in the silent era and one of the longest ever. Very few of the films survive, and we are happy to be able to show this rarity to our esteemed viewers.
Many of the episodes, including this one, tell about railroad adventures. Hoot Gibson has a modest role as one of the evildoers. He would become one of the luminaries of Western films in the years to come.
Click to enlarge:
The Pay Train
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When Leo Maloney (L) starts a scuffle, Helen Holmes gets help from her Section Foreman George Williams in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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Helen Holmes in turn helps George Williams when he gets in trouble in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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Helen Holmes and George Williams read a telegram in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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This time Helen Holmes is confronted by Leo Maloney alone in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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Helen Holmes is isolated in a closed cattle car in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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The four evildoers: the one on the left is Hoot Gibson in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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Helen Holmes prepares a string with a hook in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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Helen Holmes uses a string with a hook to try and raise a pistol in "The Pay Train" (1915).
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Helen Holmes shoots to try and raise the semaphore arm to prevent the train from derailing in "The Pay Train" (1915).
Helen Holmes
Attention please.
Registration and donation are required to watch the films part of the series 'Hidden Gems'. Please complete the steps in the article 'Gems for Donation' before proceeding.
Registered users who made the required donation please click here to watch this gem.
Below is a short preview of the film.
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