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Hearts of Men
(1912) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: William Mason (Billy Mason) [Dave Melborn, a country boy], William Bailey [the crook], Joseph Allen (Sr.) [the judge], Helen Dunbar [the mother], Harry Dunkinson
Essanay Film Manufacturing Company production; distributed The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Released 19 July 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the United Kingdom on 22 September 1912.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Dave Melborn, a young country boy, comes to the city to make his fortune, but finds the doors of employment closed to him because of his inexperience. His money gives out and he is reduced to sleeping in a slum lodging house. Here he receives a letter from his old mother, saying she is ill and for him to come to her. Heart-broken and desperate, he falls easy prey for a crook who persuades him to do a “second-story job” with him that night. As they are leaving the house with their loot they are discovered by a passing officer, who attempts to capture them. The crook knocks the officer senseless with a “billy,” but before they can affect their escape, several others surround them and they are lodged in jail. At the trial the wounded officer gives his evidence, then the boy’s lawyer makes his plea in his defense. On the witness stand, Dave tells the jury how he was lured to the city by advertisements of opportunities to make fortunes. A series of beautiful visions follow, showing him leaving his country home, his attempts to secure work, falling in with bad company and his being led to steal to secure money to return to his dying mother. Her letter is read aloud, then the jury is sent out. Later the verdict is rendered and Dave is found guilty, but with a request to the court for clemency. The kind old judge now appeals to the jury for funds to send the boy home, a subscription is taken up, more than ample to send him back in good clothes and high hopes and he is discharged. Pressing the hands of the splendid jury, the judge and his lawyer. Dave leaves the courtroom with the tears of gratitude streaming from his eyes, and the next train bears him back to his waiting mother.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 15 May 2020.
References: Website-IMDb.
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