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The Right to Labor
(1909) United States of America
B&W : [?] Split-reel? / [?] 820, 850 or 875? feet
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Lubin Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Lubin Manufacturing Company. / Produced by Siegmund Lubin. / © 13 March 1909 by Lubin Manufacturing Company [H123957]. Released 13 May 1909. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? John is a hard working fellow and a good provider tor his wife and family. Bill is kissing his wife and children good-bye and leaves tor the factory where he is employed. Here some excellent views are introduced of a steel making plant with John at his work. It is lunch time. The workingmen sit or stand around, many listening to the speech of an agitator who tries to persuade the workingmen to ask for higher wages. Returned to their work the unruly spirit of some of the workingmen begins to work and soon a resolution is passed demanding higher wages John is approached to sign the resolution, but he refuses to do so. A delegation of workingmen waits on the general manager. He promises consideration of their demand. After a while he sends the following note to the leader: “On account of the general depression in business, we regret not to be aide to grant your demand for higher wages. If business improves we will be glad to consider your request, S. Holmes, General Manager.” The workingmen decide to strike. They lay down their work one after another. They ask John to join them, but he absolutely refuses to do so. “I have a wife and children to care for and I shall stick to my work.” All leave. When the general manager comes to the factory he asks John about the whereabouts of the men and shakes John’s hand heartily when he is informed that all went out on a strike except him and a few others. Pickets of strikers guard the factory to prevent men from going to work. John, however, is not to be detained and goes to his work as usual, saying: “This is a free country. You have the right to strike. I have the right to labor.” It is night time. Some strike sympathizers decide to get even with John and try to blow up his house. Their intention, however, has been frustrated and on bended knees John and his wife thank God for their escape from harm. Three months later, John is now superintendent at the works. All the men have returned to work. A boy enters the superintendent’s office and hands John the following note: “Owing to your diligent work and that of your men, conditions have greatly improved. We therefore have decided to advance all wages 10 per cent. You may employ all your former help, bar none. Thanking you for being true to us in time of trouble. We remain, sincerely yours, S. Holmes, General Manager.” John at once notifies his fellow workmen and there is great satisfaction all around.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 11 October 2023.
References: Sloan-Loud pp. 57-59, 151 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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