The Viper (1914)

movie

Country: USA
Genres: Drama, Short
Release: 1914-09-28
Director: Kenean Buel
Writers: Mildred Mason
Language: None | English
Stars: Henry Hallam , Alice Joyce , Jere Austin , Harry F. Millarde , Ed Jones , Robert Walker , Benjamin Ross
Runtime: min
Awards: N/A
AKA: The Viper , The Viper (United States of America)
Plot: Kent, a member of the Arm of Putnam and Kent, and Crane, one of the clerks, are rivals for the hand of Mary, daughter of Isidore Putnam. Although it is against her fathers wish, Mary weds Crane. Prosperity goes to Crane's head. Mary soon learns that her husband is a drunkard and good-for-nothing. The man loses heavily while gambling on a houseboat owned by Baxter, a card sharp. Unable to pay, Crane is threatened with exposure unless the money is forthcoming within twenty-four hours. Crane returns home in time to see his father-in-law place a large sum of money in the library safe. Later in the evening, Mary and her father visit a friend. Putnam has occasion to call his butler on the 'phone shortly afterward. In answering the 'phone, the man discovers Crane in the act of rifling the safe. At the other end of the wire Putnam hears a shot, and Crane's horrified exclamation, "My God, I have killed him." Hastening home, Mary and her father find the butler slain. Meanwhile, Crane has escaped from the house and makes for the houseboat, where he settles his debt. Later, the houseboat is set afire as the result of a fight. The following morning Putnam and his daughter read that Crane had met his death in the river. Crane, however, is saved from drowning by smugglers. They take him to their lair. Will, the half-witted brother of the leader of the band, takes a violent dislike to Crane. As time passes, Mary, believing her husband dead, consents to marry Kent. Crane learns that a reward is offered for the arrest of the smugglers. His treachery is discovered, and the band pursues him. In desperation, Crane takes refuge on a yacht in the river, and confronts Kent and Mary, who are on their honeymoon. As the scoundrel leers at the two. the face of Will, the half-witted boy, appears at the porthole. A shot rings out; the Viper meets his just deserts.
IMDB:tt0234990