Circumstances decree that Martha Weaver shall be a dressmaker, and the artistry of her needle finds expression in beautiful gowns she designs for the fortunate women who have the dollars with which to buy costly silks and sat ins. Lola, a niece of the wealthy Mrs. Hammond, employs Martha and makes of the girl her confidante. Lola explains to the young seamstress that the gown on which she is working has been ordered by Lola's aunt so that she, Lola, might wear it and ensnare the heart of Hugh Clayton. Lola doesn't love Hugh but rather her heart remains true to a young man in her home town. Lola wears the gown and Hugh, contrary to Auntie's desires, expresses a I wish to meet the girl who could design a gown like that. Martha meanwhile is pressed for funds with which to pay her rent. She promises to pay as soon as Mrs. Hammond's check arrives. Then Lola decides to elope with her young lover, and fearing that Martha will not be paid for her work, Lola leaves her horse and riding habit in payment for her gowns. This doesn't pay the rent, but nevertheless Martha's heart is filled with joy for it has long been her fondest dream to canter along in the mountains. Martha rides out, astride her sleek mount. In the hills she meets with Hugh, and the two ride side by side. In reply to a question, the girl declares that she is Rosalind, and Hugh promptly insists that he is Orlando. The chance acquaintances part and agree to meet the following day, Martha meets Hugh, but at the end of their ride she gives him a note that she must say good-bye forever, for she has pre tended to be what she is not. She prays that he remember her only as Rosalind. Mrs. Hammond has reclaimed Lola's horse and habit and in doing so, paid Martha the money she owed. Martha has occasion to call at the Clayton home, where she is surprised to meet Hugh. He, too, is surprised, though not too much so to declare his love, and crushes the girl in his arms. The hearts of Orlando and Rosalind henceforth unite. - Moving Picture World, January 1, 1916, p.133
The George Eastman House in Rochester, New York holds the only known print of this film.
“A delightful two-part drama starring Vivian Rich, will be released by the Mutual January 3, 1916. Miss Rich, in Matching Dreams, is seen in a role which suits her well. Clever, dainty, feminine, is the part of ‘Martha Weaver,’ whose charming romance is the burden of this very appealing play. Alfred Vosburgh continues to make an acceptable leading man for Miss Rich, and Jimsy Maye as ‘Lola,’ plays a sympathetic second. Two pairs of lovers, despite the machinations of a worldly society woman, find the happiness they seek. Some pretty woodland scenes frame the love making of Mr. Vosburgh and Miss Rich, whose dark beauty in riding-breeches justify her playful claim to the title of ‘Rosalind.’ Nor is ‘Orlando’ lacking in the per suasions of the ardent wooer.” - Reel Life, January 1, 1916, p.13 Essay by Kim Kwok September, 2021 Matching Dreams is one of the reels that were released in 1916 before the company's production policy was completely changed. 1916 is when WWI is still going on, and it is also the year that Flying A decides to make only feature films. Vivian Rich and Alfred Vosburgh play the leads and are well-known actors who have previously worked together in The Substitute Minister, which their pairing and cute image set the tone for the drama. Vivian Rich is a famous female actor in the film industry. While in Flying A, she worked with several actors, including Wallace Reid, Jack Richardson, and of course Alfred Vosburgh. However, she later left Santa Barbara and relocated to Los Angeles in search of new chances. On January 3, 1916, Matching Dreams was one of 13 one-and-two-reel films released for the domestic market. Three comical romance pictures were released on the same day, accounting for one-fourth of the total number of films released. As a result, one of the most popular genres in 1916 was comedic romance. The film tells the narrative of a poor girl and a wealthy man who fell in love accidentally, which was a brand-new story in 1916. However, the film and television industries later restructured this plot in several romantic films; this formula continues to succeed. Also, several film magazines published in-depth reviews of the film before its official release to promote it. The film's earlier promotion began on December 25, 1915, one week before the film's releasing date.