"The Skyscrapers of New York" Melodrama w/ actualities
"The Skyscrapers of New York" Melodrama w/ actualities
Turn of the century melodrama titled "The Skyscrapers of New York" w/ action woven in and around the actual construction of a NYC skyscraper!
"The Skyscrapers of New York" Melodrama w/ actualities
Title card. First 4 minutes of the film set the scene, using actual construction footage. Panning LS rooftops of downtown NYC buildings; the nearest has smoke billowing out of a chimney. TLS/MSs construction work crews working on skyscraper: bricklayers; man heating rivets in a forge, men hammering joints of steel girders while foreman in suit watches on; two workers sitting astride the steel framework setting a girder in place with rivets while another worker climbs up a vertical beam! Great panning TLS several workers hanging on a crane line which swings them out to side and then lowers them down; they wave at cam. All construction work scenes take place several stories off ground for rather dizzying effect.
"The Skyscrapers of New York" Melodrama w/ actualities
Intertitle: "Dago Pete Starts a Fight and is Discharged." I guess Pete is an Italian immigran? TLS Pete shuffling toward three construction workers on job; Pete arrogantly picks a fight, draws a knife; two other workers seize Pete's arm, wrest weapon away while opposition picks up pipe; foreman happens along, literally kicks & punches Pete off the premises. Intertitle: "To Get Even He Robs the Contractor." TLS big-shot contractor walking into frame, stopping at drafting table at site, takes off coat & vest, walks off; disgruntled Pete enters frame, rummages through contractor's belongings, steals watch, leaves.
"The Skyscrapers of New York" Melodrama w/ actualities
Intertitle: "He returns to the building & accuses the foreman of the theft." When the theft of the pocket watch is discovered, the villain returns & casts blame on the foreman. Foreman and contractor start to fight but are stopped by other workers. Intertitle: "He Secretes the Stolen Property in the Home of the Foreman." TLS woman in Victorian dress knitting at home while daughter plays with doll; she gets up to answer door-- it's the villanous Dago Pete! Under false pretenses, Pete has come to the foreman's house when he is absent; when the foreman's wife goes out of the room for something he hides the stolen pocket watch---but the foreman's little daughter observes him.
"The Skyscrapers of New York" Melodrama w/ actualities
Intertitle: "Atop the Skyscraper--Thrilling hand-to-hand encounter on one of the highest buildings erected in New York." TLS contractor inspecting steel framework at top of building, the foreman literally crawls up; they argue & begin fighting along the unprotected ledge of the steel framework! Foreman chokes contractor, throws several punches. The contractor is knocked from girder. Intertitle: "Rescue of the Contractor." TLS contractor dangling from beam, people on the street below looking very small; two workers enter frame, pull him back up. Intertitle: "The Culprit Exposed." In a dramatic courtroom finale the real thief is exposed by the little girl, and justice is done. The contractor extends his hand to the foreman who is still p.o.'d for being falsely suspected-- but finally they shake hands. (This benevolence of the contractor is a bit odd considering the foreman just tried to kill him! He seems to object less to attempted homicide than to theft! )