The Fourth Witness (1917) [N/A]
Gallery Unavailable
Featuring:
Charles Hill Mailes, Louise Lovely, Lee Hill
Written by:
Alice Catlin
Harvey Gates
Directed by:
John McDermott
Release Date:
February 16, 1917
Original Title:
The Fourth Witness
Genres:
Drama | Mystery
Production Companies:
Universal Film Manufacturing Company
Production Countries:
United States of America
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
As just compensation for a dissolute life, William Bryant is a hopeless cripple, refusing to be nursed by anyone but his wife, Margaret, and endeavoring to make her as miserable as possible by his taunts and sneers. Dr. Cameron, Bryant's physician, arrives at his patient's home one evening, just in time to intercept a blow which Bryant has directed at Margaret. The men struggle and Bryant is thrown upon the bed unconscious. The doctor makes an examination and assures the wife that her husband is not dead. Margaret beseeches Dr. Cameron to take her away, and he, loving her, consents. Cameron, deciding to drive his machine himself, dismisses his chauffeur, an indifferent fellow who is tempted to make an easy haul as he is aware that Bryant's house is poorly guarded. He climbs through a front window. Bryant regains consciousness in time to see Dr. Cameron and his wife drive away. Inspired by a malignant idea, he goes to his desk and writes in his diary, after which he draws out a revolver with the intention of killing himself. Margaret and Cameron are brought to the police court by a country sheriff, who has arrested them on their way from the city Cameron, to shield Margaret, confesses that he did it, not realizing the seriousness of the charge against them; but when they hear that they are held for the murder of Bryant, they are astounded. Bryant has made his wife and Dr. Cameron victims of his virulence by writing in his diary: "Doctor Cameron is coming to-night and I am sure that he and my wife are going to attempt my life. They love each other, traitors!" This evidence is now in the hands of the police who are satisfied in their conclusion that Cameron and Margaret are the murderers. As the two prisoners are being led to their cells, Bryant's butler confesses to having accidentally killed his master while attempting to wrest the revolver from him to prevent his committing suicide. His testimony is confirmed by the chauffeur, who attests to having seen the whole of the struggle.
