War: Directed by George D. Baker. With Jay Dwiggins, Flora Finch, Hughie Mack, Kate Price. The Schultz and Du Bois families, keeping respectively, delicatessen and bakery shops, and living in the same apartment house, are the best of friends until the European war breaks out, then the German in one and the French in the other family comes to the surface with an outburst of patriotism. Little Johnnie Du Bois and Heinie Schultz start things by their “Hoch Der Kaiser” and “Vive La France,” with the result that they are soon engaged in a miniature war of their own. Their parents are furious and the Du Bois, in the flat overhead, stamp on the floor and shout their battle-cry, while the Schultzes, downstairs, respond in kind. Things are going from bad to worse, when Fritz, the Schultz’s eldest son, arrives from medical college, and Marie, the Du Bois’ pretty daughter returns from the hospital, where she is a trained nurse. This quiets things somewhat. Later, the eldest son and the pretty daughter meet and fall m love. Heinie and Johnnie, still bitter enemies, and backed up by their “allies,” decide to fight it out in a vacant lot. The parents are told of this and start for the scene of battle. There a battle royal takes place between two the families. After a terrific struggle they are separated and almost dragged home by their respective loving son and daughter. All the participants are a sight to behold, and the Red Cross knowledge of Fritz and Marie comes in very handy. Their tender and impartial ministrations cause better feelings and after the excitement calms down, all see the humor of their ridiculous patriotism. No one makes any objection when Fritz embraces Marie before them, waves an American flag over their bandaged heads and shouts, “First and foremost we’re all good Americans.”

Watch War (Short 1915)