Looking for Mabel Normand

Mabel’s Bear (Bare) Escape

January 5, 1914 release by Keystone/Mutual Films, 1-reel directed by Mabel Normand and George Nichols, starring Mabel Normand, with Alice Davenport, perhaps Mack Sennett; the films is lost.

Story of Mabel being chased by a pair of bear cubs while on a picnic.

eBay had a rather dark and dull looking picture of Mabel with a bear up for auction about a month ago. From the scan it looked like it might be “Mabel’s Bear Escape” on the revise was a note that it was indeed from that comedy short.  This is a lost (OK, not found) film from Keystone done in 1914.  Sennett didn’t spend a lot of money on promoting during this period so finding any still photos is rare and besides it would be nice to add another Mabel with a bear picture to that folder as it is dominated by the Suzanna bear cubs.

I was the only bidder so paid next to nothing for it.  When the envelope came the photograph was as dark and hard to see as the scan on eBay but I got what I paid for.  Thursday, I was clearing up the stake of things that clatter my desk and took another look and decided to scan it into the computer and WOW, what a surprise! I found the sweetest smile on Mabel’s face as she looked into the eyes of her small black bear at the end of her silver chain.  Although the picture is of poor resolution her smile is bright and thought you might like it too.