Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-04-24
lack O. Diamonds Shown by
Company of Which w. A.
McManus Is Treasurer.

Frederick Bryton and Clay Green
drama, Forgiven, or Jack o. Dia-
monds," a six-part photoplay, exhi-
bited privately yesterday at the
Goodwin Theatre on Broad street, in
terested me chiefly because 1t furnish
ed one more key to the wonderful
success of William A. McManus, a
self-made man, of whom Newark
justly may feel proud. Mr.. McManus' $
father, Andrew j. McManus. was n
captain of police for years and a de-
tective of world wide reputation. Mr..
McManus is secretary and treasurer
of the Steller Photoplay Company,
producers of the stirring film drama.
OF his career, which Is an inspirat
to young folk, L can give but the
briefest outline here, as the primary
purpose of this article Is to describe
the photoplay.
Not SO many years ago, bright
eyed, y-dispositioned lad OBJ
tanned a position as helper on an
express wagon. He performed his
work to the satisfaction not alone of
his employer, but to the delight of
his employers patrons. Among the
latter was Henry Lang, rich New
ark leather merchant, and at one
time mayor of the city.
Often Mr.. Lang would watch the
boy lend his help to pack up bundles
and carry them out to the express
wagon. Most other boys would have
sat at their ease on the wagon, for
neither the packing nor carrying was
part Of this particular boys duty.
Mr.. Lang one day asked him his
name.
William A. McManus," the boy re-
piled.
well, William, would you like to
work for me?"
Indeed, l would" was the prompt
reply.
In his new position the boy showed
tho same industry, patience, prompt
ness, obliging disposition and atten-
ton to duty as before. Result: He
quickly rose from rung to rung UNI
til, in an almost incredibly short
time, he became chief of all the en-
ployes
One day he advised his employers
to deal in a certain kind of leather
which, until then, they had sedulously
steered clear of. MeManuss reason
ing overcame their scruples; and the
leather in question was purchased.
The young superintendent's Judgment
proved to be sound. The venture
Melted a fortune and to testify their
appreciation the firm took in the
young man as a partner.
At time of life when most men
are still engaged in clearing the path
preparatory to the uphill struggle in
business, Mr.. McManus had amassed,
it Is said, nearly a quarter of a million
dollars and was enabled to retire and
look around for something In which
to spend the remainder of his life
just as profitably, yet more congen-
tally. AS venture in this direction
he has embarked in the photoplay
film production. And the first fruit
of this enterprise Is Forgiven, or
The Jack o. Diamonds"
The leading character in this play
Is John Diamond, known as Jack o.
Diamonds" He received the sobri-
uuet on account of a lucky turn
which that card once brought him
In a game of faro. The role is play
ed by Edwin Forsberg, a prominent
New York actor, who first gained
distinction some time ago as the
principal male character in Henry w.
Savage's production of MADAME X
Jack o. Diamonds" wins the love
of Annie Dennison. She becomes his
wife upon his promise to give up
gambling. Her former sutton, Willard