The Power of the People (1916)

movie

Country: USA
Genres: Drama, Short
Release: 1916-01-01
Director: N/A
Writers: N/A
Language: None | English
Stars: Harry Carey , Jane Novak
Runtime: min
Awards: N/A
AKA: The Power of the People (United States of America) , The Power of the People , Graft #4: The Power of the People (United States of America)
Plot: Bruce Larnigan finds himself so bitterly opposed by the administration that he resigns his office as District Attorney. He enters into an agreement with Editor Nash of the Independent, whereby he intends to continue his attacks on the criminal trusts through the press. His first effort is directed against the combine of the grain interests and the subsequent raising of the price of bread. His investigation takes him to Chicago. Stone immediately has a tough character, known as "Red Mike," sent after him with instructions that he must prevent the return of Larnigan if possible, but there will be no reward unless the fatality "looks like an accident." Stone then sets about tearing down whatever prestige Larnigan might have remaining. He has the business men withdraw all ads from the Independent, collects the balance of stock and has the paper suspended. He gets members of the traction company to bring suit for libel against Bruce and attach his home, frightening old Mrs. Larnigan with threats of ejection. Stone is in love with Dorothy Maxwell, and in the absence of Bruce, proposes, but is rejected. When pressed for a reason, Dorothy tells him of the conversation she heard in his office over the dictaphone when the plot to kill Bruce was planned. Maxwell enters and hears his daughter accuse Stone. The latter does not deny his connection with the trust and tells Dorothy that her honored father is also a member. Bruce finds evidence of much irregularity of the Grain Trust, and succeeds in catching a schooner, under orders, dumping grain overboard to create a shortage and give the trust an excuse for boosting prices. "Red Mike" has followed him like a shadow and Bruce's life was saved on more than one occasion through "Red Mike's" fear that it wouldn't "look like an accident." Bruce is discovered on the boat, and fearing that he is a spy, the crew set upon him. Bruce, badly wounded, finally jumps overboard. He is picked up by a yacht captained by his brother, Tom. Tom listens to the story of the prosecution of the Graft Trust; of the death of his father, etc. Tom swears to continue the work started by his father, and also to avenge his father and brother. He also carries with him a letter from Bruce to the woman he loves, Dorothy Maxwell. Tom returns to New York with the evidence against the grain corner secured by Bruce. He is dumbfounded to find the Independent closed; is filled with almost insane anger at finding the way his enemies have persecuted his mother, and is astounded when Dorothy announced her engagement to Stone. He does not deliver Bruce's letter. Tom has nothing left but his mission; no way to fight save through the direct medium of the people; so he holds a mass meeting and tells them the facts. St. John Dodson, the leader of the Grain Trust, is guarded in his offices. Tom arrives at the office building occupied by Dodson, followed by the mob. He fights his way through the outer offices guarded by clerks and private watchmen and gains the private office of Dodson, locking the door behind him. Then he drugs him to the window and shows him to the infuriated mob below. Dodson promises to right conditions, and in Tom's presence he phones the necessary orders to relieve the situation of the grain corner. After Tom has left, Dodson, still crazed by fear, shoots himself. Tom and his mother leave for Chicago, where they find Bruce somewhat improved.
IMDB:tt3141824