Blank Check
Not known for the high quality of its films, the Lubin Studios of Philadelphia began improving its output in late 1909. One of the studio's better offerings of that year was Blank Check, described by the trade magazine Variety's reviewer as "almost human." The leading character is the chief clerk of a village mill. The mill owner entrusts the clerk with a blank check, to be delivered to the bank in exchange for the weekly payroll. Alas, the check is stolen by a fellow clerk; he fills out an exorbitant amount of money and cashes the check then escapes with the loot. Naturally, the chief clerk is accused of the theft, but the investigating detectives have other ideas. Following a rather obvious trail of evidence, the cops catch the real clerk, and all is well. Despite its excellent photography and believable acting, Blank Check suffered from a few illogical plot twists -- especially noticeable to anyone who's ever had to handle a payroll. more..