An investigation of Elsie Janis will reveal her reputation as an accomplished and popular musical comedy star. However, a great voice wasn't exactly an asset in silent movies. You can still hear Ms. Janis, but her handful of silent films have not been preserved. Janis also wrote "The Caprices of Kitty" as her debut feature. "Motion Picture Magazine" (May 1915) reviewer Tarleton Winchester obviously enjoyed seeing Janis perform in person, but thought, "It is a pity that Elsie Janis was allowed to write her own scenario. It has its amusing incidents, but the picture is not as mirth-provoking as it might well have been."
Janis recorded and wrote music, performed admirably for World War I troops, appeared in the early "talkie" short "Behind the Lines" (1926), remained popular on the Broadway stage, and returned for a one-shot acting appearance in "Women in War". Interestingly, "Caprices of Kitty" (1915) co-star Vera Lewis also appeared in "Women in War" (1940).
*** The Caprices of Kitty (3/8/15) Phillips Smalley ~ Elsie Janis, Courtenay Foote, Herbert Standing, Vera Lewis
Janis recorded and wrote music, performed admirably for World War I troops, appeared in the early "talkie" short "Behind the Lines" (1926), remained popular on the Broadway stage, and returned for a one-shot acting appearance in "Women in War". Interestingly, "Caprices of Kitty" (1915) co-star Vera Lewis also appeared in "Women in War" (1940).
*** The Caprices of Kitty (3/8/15) Phillips Smalley ~ Elsie Janis, Courtenay Foote, Herbert Standing, Vera Lewis
