The Phantom Thief - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Among the many embryonic artists in the studio of M. Rafael in Paris, are Kenneth Turner and Ralph Cameron. Rafael, the master, passes from one to the other criticizing the work of his pupils. It is evident that he is displeased with the ...See moreAmong the many embryonic artists in the studio of M. Rafael in Paris, are Kenneth Turner and Ralph Cameron. Rafael, the master, passes from one to the other criticizing the work of his pupils. It is evident that he is displeased with the perfunctory work of Cameron, while he holds up Turner's drawing as a model for the class. With this the seeds of hatred and jealousy are sown in Cameron's vindictive self. In after years, in London, Turner and Cameron are thrown in contact by chance in an art gallery, where the latter coldly refuses to recognize an introduction to Turner. Turner is in his studio painting, as his model, Nana, maintains a statuesque pose. It is very obvious that she is infatuated with Turner. As Lady Sylvia, with her parents, the Earl of Hawkesley and the Countess, are announced by his valet. Turner dismisses Nana for the day. As she leaves, Nana flashes a meaningful glance at Sylvia. Turner is much impressed with Sylvia, whose apparent liking for him is just as intrinsic and strong. Subsequently, the portrait of Sylvia is completed, a masterpiece. Angered at the frequent visits of Sylvia to Turner's studio, Nana leaves and obtains a position as model in Cameron's studio. While there, she reads of the wonderful achievement of Turner in completing Sylvia's portrait, and of the rumor of a romance between Turner and his sitter. Nana and Cameron concoct a scheme by which they hope to get revenge. Nana goes to an East Side tenement and borrows a baby which she carries to Lady Sylvia telling her that she is Turner's deserted wife, and the baby is Turner's. Sylvia is horrified and sends a laconic note to Turner. When he calls for an explanation, she will not admit him. Turner is discouraged and breaking a promise made to Lady Sylvia that he would never allow her portrait out of his possession or exhibit it publicly, exhibits it at the salon at the Royal Academy, where Sylvia see it. The portrait is the cynosure of all eyes, and Cameron's ill feeling toward him has only been enhanced by Turner's added success. In the quiet of the midnight hour, a figure clothed in flowing garments with hood and mask, steals into the Academy, and steals the portrait. There is confusion and grief when the loss has been discovered. As Nana is crossing a street she is knocked down by Sylvia's car. She is carried into Sylvia's home where she tells her she lied out of jealousy. At the same time, Sylvia receives her portrait with a note from Turner to the effect that his masterpiece is hers to do anything she pleases with it, as he has broken his promise to her. Sylvia is overjoyed and seeks out Turner, after she has placed the portrait back in its place in the Academy, however. They then come to an understanding. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less