The Mystery Mind. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, [1921].
First Edition and First Photoplay Edition, illustrated with four stills from the Supreme Pictures serial starring J. Robert Pauline, "The Famous Hypnotist", Violet MacMillan, Paul Panzer and Ed Rogers. Pauline was a well-known hypnotist whose career spanned thirty years, this was his only film role. A very uncommon mystery and horror photoplay with some confusing bibliography. Hubin lists this Grosset edition as the true first printing, published in 1921. This is despite a copyright page claiming a 1920 copyright by Harper and Brothers and a film production date of November 1920. Reeve and Grey are given credit as the screenwriters of the film and it seems likely that the 'story' started off as a silent black and white serial written by Reeve and Grey, novelized and published by Grosset who used the copyright plate from Harpers which perhaps had intentions to publish this book but forfeit the production to Grosset perhaps because of the popularity of their photoplay editions. There is a novelization credit on title page for Marc Edmund Jones which adds credence to this argument. "Violet Bronson's life is threatened by a mysterious and tricky gang, lead by Evil Eye, if she marries Robert Dupont before her eighteenth birthday. This band is determined to get the hidden treasure to which Violet's guardian, Dr. Sutton, has the plan of its location. In spite of the fact that every precaution is taken, Violet is suddenly kidnapped, but her lover, Robert Dupont, has no fear for this terrible gang and is untiring in his efforts to rescue her." Near Fine but for top edges of covers mildly bumped, in Very Good modestly darkened dustjacket, some shallow chips and wear.
Price: $600.00