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A Buried Past
(1911) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Edwin S. Porter
Cast: Charles Ogle [Allen, the released prisoner turned criminal], Frank McGlynn (Sr.) [John Fredericks, later Frederic Johnson, the released prisoner turned mayor], Nancy Avril [Mrs. Johnson, the mayor’s wife], Edna May Weick [the mayor’s daughter]
[?] Edison Manufacturing Company or Thomas A. Edison, Incorporated? production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Released 14 April 1911. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [From The Moving Picture World]? Having completed his prison sentence, John Fredericks resolves to lead an honest life and sin no more. The day he and a fellow convict named Allen are released they are met outside the prison gates by friends of Allen, who at once propose to further career of crime. Ten years later we find Fredericks a prosperous and successful business man in a western community. He has changed his name to Frederic Johnson. He has married a charming young woman and is the father of a baby girl. He has earned the respect of his fellow townsmen and they unanimously decide to offer him the nomination for mayor. The campaign beings in earnest and he is kept busy attending gatherings and addressing mass meetings. While the campaign is at its height there comes to town a human derelict, Allen. But crime and liquor have brought him down to the very dregs, and while begging a drink he sees a poster of Johnson as candidate for mayor. Seeing a mass meeting advertised that night, he makes his way to the hall and confronts Fredericks as he is addressing the meeting. The sudden appearance of Allen so upsets Fredericks that he is unable to go on and the meeting is dismissed. Allen then confronts Fredericks and asks him for money. Fredericks has read his man aright. Allen comes to his house in his drunken state and demands two thousand dollars for his silence. Fredericks refuses to submit further to blackmail and Allen leaves in a fury, threatening to expose him at once. Fredericks hands in his resignation. Allen, after leaving Fredericks, goes back to the saloon where he has spent all his money, and in an ugly mood gets into an argument with the barkeeper, resulting in a brawl which is fatal to himself. The news of the killing is cried through the streets by the newsboys, and one of the committee, hearing the cries, goes to the window and buys a paper. Fredericks’ glance at the headline telling of Allen’s death assures him that his past history is safely buried, and at the earnest solicitation of his wife and the committee he tears up his resignation
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 15 April 2024.
References: Website-IMDb.
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