Frank H. Crane and Anna Rosemond play the leading roles in the simplified plot that was reliant on inter-titles to tell the story.

The synopsis in The Moving Picture World states: "St. Elmo, a wealthy young man, is betrothed to his cousin Agnes.

Hammond, however, takes St. Elmo's friendship lightly and makes love to Agnes in secret.

Edna tells her first lie when she deceives St. Elmo's pursuers as to his direction and leads them completely off the trail.

In desperation, St. Elmo attempts suicide, choosing as a spot the grave of Dick Hammond, but is swerved from his purpose by Edna, who relents and promises him her love and sympathy.

[2] Evans was concerned about how the novel's themes would be portrayed on the stage and did not approve the first script for a St. Elmo play until 1909.

The Book News Monthly said that Lonergan received a share of interest in the company for his good work in producing the scenario.

[1] Barry O'Neil was the stage name of Thomas J. McCarthy, who would direct many important Thanhouser pictures, including its first two-reeler, Romeo and Juliet.

[1][8] Smith was the first cameraman of the Thanhouser company, but he was soon joined by Gregory who had years of experience as a still and motion picture photographer.

Bowers believes that numerous releases were produced with Gregory operating the camera, but the role was uncredited in the 1910 era.

Crane's was the first leading man of the company and acted in numerous productions before becoming a director at Thanhouser.

[10] Bowers notes that St. Elmo was filmed in a mansion built in 1759, but the name and location of the structure is unknown.

[11] Lowenkamp would speak to Edwin Thanhouser's sister in law, Carey L. Hastings, who took him as a real estate salesman was in film.

[13] The single reel drama, approximately 860 ft, was released on March 22, 1910 by the Thanhouser Company.

The review also stated that the acting was excellent, but not expressive enough and concluded that the film was "a notable one among the Independent releases".

[1] The Moving Picture World provided another positive review, praising the adaptation that simplified the plot and found no fault with the production.