The Unworthy Son
(1912) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by [?] Robert Goodman?
Cast: [?] Francis Ford?
G. Méliès production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by Gaston Méliès. / Released 12 September 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Western.
Synopsis: [From Méliès promotional materials] Jim, after brutally attacking his wife, goes West, where he enters a horse-thieving partnership with Bill Haskins, whose daughter Nell he forms a desire for, and threatens to expose Bill if she refuses to marry him. Jim’s father harbors the deserted wife, and sends his other son, Phil, to inform Jim that he is disowned. Nell learns that Jim is married, and reveals his wicked plot to Phil. In a desperate quarrel Jim and Haskins are both fatally injured and Phil takes Nell home a bride. // [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Jim, an unworthy son, after leaving his family in destitute circumstances, goes west, and there makes the acquaintance of Bill Haskin, a horse thief, who takes Jim as his partner. Falling in love with Haskin’s daughter, Nell, he threatens to expose her father if she refuses to marry him. Jim’s father, enraged, orders Steve, another son, to locate Jim with a letter explaining that he has been disinherited. Having no address to be guided by, Steve wanders through the wilderness. Meeting a young woman sobbing he learns her sad story and discovers his brother’s whereabouts. With the promise of protection, Nell goes with him and, upon their arrival, he hands Jim the letter, which the latter casts aside. Picking it up Nell learns that Jim is married. After a desperate battle between the two brothers, Jim is overpowered. A fatal quarrel between the two partners, leaves Nell without a father. In appreciation of Steve’s kindness in saving her from destruction, she accepts his proposal of marriage and they both receive the blessings of the community.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 22 May 2024.
References: Thompson-Star p. 232 : ClasIm-226 p. 55 : Website-IMDb.
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