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Photograph: Silent Era image collection.
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The Mortgage
(1912) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by [?] Robert Goodman and/or Gaston Méliès?
Cast: William Clifford [Tom], William Bracken [Indian Jim], [?] Francis Ford?
G. Méliès production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by Gaston Méliès. / Released 25 January 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Tom does his best to strike oil on his property, but ill luck seems to be his. The workmen become discontented and leave, all save a faithful Indian who swears by Tom. Together they put up with many hardships to keep the plant working. Meanwhile back home, Anne is commanded by her father to marry old Harvey in order that he will not foreclose the mortgage. In vain she pleads with her father and at last writes Tom with a broken heart that she must marry another. But shortly before the letter reaches him, Tom at last strikes oil, and a mighty well it is. He seeks a partner and obtains may dollars cash for a half interest. But his former foreman gets wind that there is money in the air and plots to get it. But Tom’s faithful Indian again proves his worth by frustrating the foreman’s designs and Tom is enabled to board the first train for home. The bridal party is at the very church door when Tom gallops up. Anne reads the good news in his countenance and rushes to his arms. When Harvey interferes, Tom thrusts a packet of bills in his face in settlement of the mortgage and gives Anne her choice. And papa and all assembled approve her choice, for everybody loves a hero.
Reviews: [From The Moving Picture World, 10 February 1912, page ?] A romance in an oil country with a situation that has been used quite a number of times before, but with incidents so arranged as to give a good deal of freshness of interest. The mortgage on the ranch, which is owned by a rich neighbor in love with the poor rancher's daughter, together with a pressing need of money, serves to break the engagement of the girl with her true lover. She reluctantly accepts the rich suitor much to her father's delight. The poor man, however, strikes oil at the critical moment and comes back in the nick of time to pay off the mortgage and claim the girl. The interest of the picture springs from the dramatic struggle of the lover to get down to his oil. This part of the picture is the freshest and most commendable in every way. It is fairly well photographed, has only a few minor faults and has some truly thrilling moments. It seemed to please the larger number of the audience and will make a very desirable filler.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 16 October 2022.
References: Thompson-Star p. 231 : ClasIm-226 p. 55 : Website-IMDb.
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