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The scenes are laid in London, in the year 1830. Kean, who is admired by all classes, both high and low, receives an invitation to a reception at the house of Count K. The reception is a gorgeous affair, and the scenes thrown on the screen are full of life and animation, and afford splendid scope for the fine photographic quality which is a distinguishing feature of this film. Among the guests is a prince of the period, a great admirer of Kean's genius, although a reckless and amorous courtier. Anna Damby, a popular actress, is also present, and the Countess of K. The former is secretly and deeply enamored of Kean, and the Countess also is fascinated by his charming personality. Anna is quick to observe that Kean has eyes only for the Countess. Following, we are shown Kean, the man of the masses. We find him in a low class inn, in the purlieus of the borough, amidst roystering companions. It is a christening party, and Kean is seen kissing the baby, to the great delight of his boon comrades. They are all drinking together when a dispute arises, and Kean whips off his coat, and after a few rounds, floors his burly opponent. In the meantime Anna Damby has been pestered with the attentions of a certain Lord M., a man of evil reputation. She rejects him with scorn, and he, knowing her infatuation for the actor, sends her a letter signed "Kean" making an appointment at the inn in the borough. Kean discovers the forgery, and a fine picture shows him exposing Lord M. in front of his friends. In the evening we see Kean in his dressing-room getting ready for the play. Owing to financial embarrassment he is in a bad temper, and his facial expressions as he "makes up" are excellent character sketches. The Countess calls, and a love scene ensues; she presents him with her photo. Footsteps are heard and the affrighted Countess has just time to slip into another room before the Count enters accompanied by the Prince, who descries the photo, and a violent scene takes place between Kean and the Prince, who discloses his love for the Countess, and declares that he will have no rival in the field. The actor resents interference in his love affairs and gets so furious that he declines to act that night. However, he is prevailed upon by his confreres on the stage not to disappoint the audience. The next few pictures show the interior of Drury Lane, the crowded boxes and stalls, and the superb acting of Kean on the stage. Suddenly the great actor catches sight of the Prince flirting with the Countess in a box. Jealousy gets the upper hand, and to the astonishment of the audience he throws aside his acting and walking quickly up to the footlights shouts out a terrible accusation against the Prince. This creates a scandal amongst the audience, and Kean has to be forcibly removed from the stage. The final scenes show the intercession of Anna Damby, and the noble generosity of the Prince, who not only forgives the insult, but once again becomes the devoted admirer and friend of the gifted actor, who learns to appreciate the love and affection of Anna.

Martinius Nielsen in Kean; or, The Prince and the Actor (1910)

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