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The Sheriff’s Mistake
(1911) United States of America
B&W : Split-reel
Directed by Milton J. Fahrney

Cast: [?] ? [Tom Hanson], Violet Mersereau [Tom’s wife]

Nestor Film Company production; distributed by Motion Picture Distributing & Sales Company. / Released 14 June 1911. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.

Drama: Western.

Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Tom Hanson felt thoroughly discouraged. For some months he had been out of work, and now his supplies had given out; so, should he fail to bring home money by night, Sue and the little one must go supperless to bed. Perhaps, Sam might have heard something, for the good-hearted bar-keeper had promised to keep a lookout for him. However he was doomed to disappointment. Sam had heard of nothing, and Tom paused but a moment to watch the game of a group of men, at one end of the saloon. Suddenly John Hawley surprised all be declaring that he had been robbed. The doors were instantly locked, and Sheriff Williams, who had also been watching them, ordered every man searched! Then, to the utter consternation of everyone present, Hawley’s empty wallet was discovered in Tom’s pocket; for, so absorbed had all been in the card game, that they had not observed Pinto Pete, the half-breed, as he slipped the money from Hawley’s pocket and dropped the empty wallet into Tom’s coat. In vain did the unfortunate man declare his innocence; the sheriff would not listen to reason. So determining to at least make a fight for his liberty, Tom shot out the light, and in the confusion which followed, succeeded in getting outside and mounting his horse ere the others could follow. Then came an exciting chase to his shack, which Tom won, and although he was badly wounded in dismounting, the boys stopped firing, upon Sue’s appeal from the window. Tom would soon be starved out, so the sheriff declared, as he posted his men around the place and galloped away for supplies. Indeed, ere night fell, not only the child’s pleadings, but her husband’s feverish condition, made it imperative that they have water at once. Opening the door, Sue held up her little one, then as the watchers lowered their guns, she fell fainting at their feet. Quickly the men revived her, and were bathing Tom’s wound, when Sheriff Williams dashed up with the glad tidings that Pinto Pete had confessed. So eager were the men to make what reparation they could, that they gladly made up a purse for the destitute family, and later saw to it that Tom had work.

Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 1 July 1911, page ?] Here is a western picture that touches the heart. It tells the story of an unfortunate man out of work his money gone, and wrongfully accused of robbery. He makes a dash for liberty, but is badly wounded in the flight. The sheriff posts his men about the house to starve him out. They relent when his wife and little one appear to get water. At this juncture the sheriff dashes up with the tidings that the real thief has confessed, and the unfortunate man is exonerated. A purse is made up, and Tom gets work. The Nestor photography, which by some witchery makes the figures appear almost alive, is responsible for much of the attraction of this picture.

Survival status: (unknown)

Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].

Keywords: Law: Enforcement: Police: Sheriffs

Listing updated: 15 April 2024.

References: Website-IMDb.

 
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