The Motion Picture Chums' New Idea

"The Motion Picture Chums' New Idea" by Victor Appleton follows the adventures of Frank Durham and his friends, Randolph Powell and Pepperill Smith, who are young entrepreneurs in the burgeoning motion picture industry. The story begins with Frank proposing a new venture: opening a photo playhouse dedicated exclusively to educational films. The chums, along with their financial backer Mr. Hank Strapp, are enthusiastic about the idea and decide to pursue it in Boston, a city known for its cultural appreciation. The plot thickens when Frank encounters Professor Achilles Barrington, an eccentric but brilliant former professor who shares their vision for educational films. Barrington has a series of films planned and is eager to collaborate with the chums. However, their plans face challenges from rivals and unscrupulous individuals, including a man named Slavin, who attempts to steal their ideas and sabotage their efforts. Throughout the story, the chums navigate various obstacles, including a train wreck, a missing satchel containing valuable plans, and the theft of a significant film. They also deal with the complexities of securing a suitable location for their new playhouse on Boston Common. Despite these challenges, the chums' determination and resourcefulness lead them to success. The narrative is filled with suspenseful moments, such as the recovery of the stolen satchel and the dramatic unveiling of the playhouse. The chums' loyalty to each other and their commitment to their vision are central themes, as they work tirelessly to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. In the end, the chums' hard work pays off as they successfully open their educational playhouse, gaining the approval of Boston's elite and securing a bright future for their venture. The story concludes with a sense of triumph and the promise of further adventures in the motion picture industry.

By Victor Appleton · First published 1914 · Genre: Adventure, Juvenile Fiction, Comedy · 25 chapters · 52,158 words

First lines

"Boys, it's a splendid idea! " cried Frank Durham.

"What is? " asked his friend and business partner, Randolph Powell.

• Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

The Motion Picture Chums' New Idea is listed on Textopian as a novel by Victor Appleton, dated 1914 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Victor Appleton
• Date: 1914 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Adventure, Juvenile Fiction, Comedy, Mystery, Historical Fiction
• Length: 52,158 words
• Structure: 25 chapters, 1,252 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Motion Picture Chums' New Idea by Victor Appleton
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Genres

• Adventure — The narrative centers on daring exploits and risky undertakings typical of early youth adventure stories.
• Juvenile Fiction — The book is aimed at young readers and features protagonists whose experiences resonate with adolescent audiences.
• Comedy — The plot incorporates humorous situations and playful camaraderie among the characters.
• Mystery — Plot elements involve uncovering schemes and puzzles that add an investigative dimension to the story.

Tags

adventure · juvenile fiction · children's literature · cinema · early film · innovation · technology · invention · teamwork · friendship · curiosity · youthful

Contents

• Something New
• An Absent-Minded Visitor
• The Missing Satchel
• The Railroad Wreck
• A New Mystery
• On Boston Common
• Rivals in Action
• A Trick of the Enemy
• A Glowing Prospect
• Fire
• The Hero Friend
• An Amazing Statement
• The Ships of the Desert
• Plymouth -- Derelict
• High Hopes
• The Lost Camels
• A Grand Success
• The "New Idea."
• Done with a Click
• Pep a Prisoner
• A Grand Success
• A Fearful Loss
• "Getting Warm"
• The Movies Camp
• Excelsor! -- Conclusion

More by Victor Appleton

• Tom Swift and His Talking Pictures (1931)
• Tom Swift and His Chest of Secrets (1925)
• Tom Swift and His Airline Express (1915)
• Tom Swift and His Great Oil Gusher (1924)
• Tom Swift and His House on Wheels (1929)
• All works by Victor Appleton