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The Hand of Uncle Sam
(1910) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Thomas Ricketts (Tom Ricketts)
Cast: J. Warren Kerrigan [Frank Smith], Pauline Bush [Mrs. Frank Smith], Martha Russell
Essanay Film Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Essanay Film Manufacturing Company. / Released 23 March 1910. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / Bush’s film debut.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Frank Smith, an American mining engineer, has in his employ a native clerk, who is the leader of a gang of conspirators, working to unseat the present Dictator. Early one morning the clerk calls a meeting of the conspirators in Smith’s office. In the midst of their discussion they are interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside, and, hurriedly concealing their papers and weapons in Smith’s various desk drawers and pigeonholes, all bolt out. Smith enters, seats himself at his desk to begin his day’s work, when the door opens and a captain of the native troops followed by a few soldiers enter and with explanation begin their search. The government has got wind of the meetings of the conspirators being held in Smith’s office and have ordered that the place be carefully searched for evidence. Evidence is obtained as the soldiers turn out drawers and bring forth incriminating documents. The American is supposed to be the ringleader of the gang and is consequently arrested and dragged before the commanding officer of the Army of the Republic. A hasty interview follows and Smith is unceremoniously dragged off to prison to await trial. A short time later. Mrs. Smith and her sister have received word from headquarters of the arrest of Smith. Realizing the peril of her husband. Mrs. Smith immediately sets about to obtain his freedom or the stay of a too hasty judgment on her husband. She and her sister go first to Smith’s office and find the native clerk, acting suspiciously. In truth, the clerk had returned to obtain a certain document, which, if found, would incriminate him and the rest of his companions. An interview with the commanding officer secures them no satisfaction, as this stern individual declares that Smith will have an opportunity to clear himself at the court martial to be held that afternoon. Almost overcome with grief and anxiety. Mrs. Smith and her sister hurry to the office of the President of the Republic. He grants them a short interview, is suave, cool and polite, but offers them no assurance of the liberation of the American. As a last and final hope Mrs. Smith appeals to Robert Evans, the United States consul. Evans is sympathetic and assures them that they need have no fear, that he will adjust matters immediately. After the ladies have gone, Evans calls on the President, demanding the immediate release of the American. The President shakes his head. “If Mr. Smith is found guilty of conspiracy against the government,” he says candidly, “he will have to pay the penalty.” Court martial follows later in the afternoon and Smith is found guilty of conspiracy and sentenced to be shot at sunrise the following morning. As the sentence is delivered Evans runs on the scene flourishing a cablegram. It is an answer from the Secretary of War of the United States, and reads to the effect that the execution of Smith must be prevented; that a United States torpedo boat destroyer has left the port of San Salvador to enforce this order and to liberate the American citizen, and that the United States government will accept no explanation from the Republic of -------------- if the sentence is carried out. Evans then orders the release of Smith. This is refused and Smith is dragged to his cell again to await the coming of morning. Next is shown the United States torpedo boat destroyer, under full steam, coming down on the camera. Morning dawns, rosy and clear: there is a tramp of feet in the prison yard and the American is led forth and placed at twenty paces from the little squad of soldiers. The scene changes to the destroyer at anchor. A boat containing a dozen sailors pushes off from her side and heads for shore. A slight interruption in the prison yard saves the American’s life. A moment later the commanding officer, followed by a- squad of Yankee sailors, enters and orders the prisoner released. His innocence is established when the native clerk is dragged in and the incriminating documents taken from his person. The picture closes with Smith in the arms of his wife and Old Glory waving above them.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 2 April 1910, page ?] Bar poor acting in the first hundred feet, the film is a corker. It is a subject that makes that chilly feeling creep up and down. . . . A lively story, with much of the melodrama about it, based upon the supposed interest of an American in one of the vest-pocket republics of South America. It is chiefly interesting because of the opportunity it affords of learning how the hand of Uncle Sam can reach forth and snatch a man from before the rifles of a firing squad. The picture of the torpedo-boat destroyer coming down on the camera under full head of steam is thrilling. The closing scene, where the condemned man is restored to his wife’s arms, with the American flag waving above them, arouses strong emotions. Altogether it is a satisfactory picture and will be seen with interest anywhere.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 15 February 2024.
References: Blum-Silent p. 16 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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