False Evidence (1914)

movie

Country: USA
Genres: Drama, Short
Release: 1914-05-01
Director: J.J. Clark
Writers: W.A. Howells
Language: None | English
Stars: Gene Gauntier , W.A. Howells , Henry G. Sell
Runtime: min
Awards: N/A
AKA: False Evidence (United States of America) , False Evidence
Plot: John Ainsley, Sr., at his death, unable to make provision for his son, Jack, exacts from his more fortunate business partner a promise that he will take care of the lad. In accord with his pledge, Morris Cobb sends for the youth at the completion of the latter's college term. Jack then enters upon a business career with the firm of Cobb and Company, and promptly falls in love with his benefactor's daughter, Florence, much to the chagrin of Richard Hunt, business manager for Cobb and Company, also a suitor of the girl. Hunt is an unscrupulous adventurer, but he has managed to hide his defalcations and forgeries. Jack's activities and quick perception, however, cause him grave apprehension. At a ball given at the home of Cobb, Florence receives two proposals: one from Hunt, which she rejects; the other from Jack Ainsley. The latter leaves that night as the accepted suitor. Hunt is goaded by jealousy and hatred, and determines to rid himself of so formidable and dangerous a rival. He introduces Jack at his club, and readily advances money to him on his personal notes. To recoup his loses, Jack becomes a nightly habitué of the gambling palace. At the end of his resources and pressed by Hunt for payment, Jack is obliged to give in exchange for his debts a valuable Saracen ring. Hunt sees to it that Florence is made acquainted with Jack's habits and precarious finances. Therefore, when a robbery and assault is committed by Hunt, the circumstantial evidence is subtly made to point conclusively to Jack. Florence is rudely shaken when she finds Jack's Saracen ring on the scene of the crime, and is convinced of her lover's perfidy and guilt. In withholding the ring during Jack's trial, as an act of delicacy, Florence unwittingly robs the defense of its only tangible evidence to prove his innocence. The unraveling of the plot, however, moves speedily to a happy conclusion once the girl has the right key to the situation. In the end, guilt is punished and love is triumphant.
IMDB:tt2523562