Conversation so far:
What did Florence Lawrence do with Independent Moving Pictures Company?
Finding themselves "at liberty," Lawrence and Solter in 1909 were able to join the Independent Moving Pictures Company of America (IMP).
Why were they "at liberty"?
looking for experienced filmmakers and actors.
Needing a star, he lured Lawrence away from Biograph by promising to give her a marquee.
Did she take the offer?
First, Laemmle organized a publicity stunt by starting a rumor that Lawrence had been killed by a street car in New York City.

Question: How did people react to this stunt?
Self-contained rewrite: How did people react to the publicity stunt to start a rumor that Florence Lawrence died?