Hearts and Skirts

Mabel Russell, on her return from Europe, is informed by James Leonard, administrator of the Russell Estate, that it was her father's dying wish that she should marry Billy Jones, the son of William Jones, her father's schoolmate and lifelong friend. Mabel, however, has ideas of her own and rather resents being disposed of like a parcel of goods, so when Billy calls upon her, she takes advantage of the fact that he has not seen her since she was a child, and induces her maid (a young woman who has a good figure and passable manners, but is extremely homely), to impersonate her, while she dresses up as the maid.

Directed by Al Christie, Hearts and Skirts leans on a strong ensemble — Louise Glaum, Donald MacDonald, Sylvia Ashton — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1912.