Just Plain Folks (1916) [N/A]
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Featuring:
William C. Dowlan, V.T. Henderson, Helen Wright
Written by:
Leonora Ainsworth
Directed by:
William C. Dowlan
Release Date:
January 20, 1916
Original Title:
Just Plain Folks
Genres:
Drama
Production Companies:
Universal Film Manufacturing Company
Production Countries:
United States of America
Ratings / Certifications:
N/A
The owner of a small rustic hotel marries a local widow, whereupon the couple sets up housekeeping with their respective grown sons. The hotelier's son is a budding thief, but it is the widow's son who is blamed for his half-brother's crimes. When the truth comes out, the widow patches up the tattered relationships between the father, his son and his stepson -- and it is the widow who rids the community of the "bad element" who led the thieving son astray.
Silas Benton, landlord of a hotel in a little country village, has a son Martin and is married to a widow, who also has a son, Tom, of whom he is extremely jealous. He discovers Tom stealing through his office and upstairs to his room, when it is long past midnight and upbraids him severely. His own son, Martin, has robbed the cash drawer in the hotel just before Tom has been seen by his stepfather. In the morning, when Silas finds that he has been robbed, he is convinced that Tom is guilty and despite the entreaties of Tom's mother, has him sent to jail. King Stander, a drummer, registers at the hotel, and is interested in an orphan, who has escaped from the orphan asylum and has obtained work in the hotel. Martin tries to kiss her. King Stander pours a pitcher of water on the head of the tormentor. That night Martin goes to the village poolroom and plays pool with a pool shark, Sam Twist, who gets Martin in debt to him. He then demands his money and he and Martin plan to rob Silas' safe the same night. The orphan hears her kitten crying and steals downstairs and outdoors to find it. The drummer sees her in the moonlight, and joins her. While they are outside Martin and Sam enter the hotel and get the money from the safe. The orphan starts in with her kitten and the drummer remains outside with his cigar. The orphan surprises the pair at the safe and Martin grabs her. She screams and Sam sneaks out, but is caught by the drummer, who rescues the orphan. The house is aroused and Silas is confronted with the proof that it is the son of his who is the thief. Freckles, the choreboy, has been aroused and has arrived with the constable and Silas is determined that his son shall pay the penalty, but Mrs. Benton pleads with him, and Silas decides he will temper justice with mercy and allow his son a better chance. Mrs. Benton is happy that her son Tom is cleared from suspicion and she and Silas leave to obtain his freedom, leaving the drummer and the orphan alone.
