Money and Mystery - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Mary Dempster, who has lived all her life with her two maiden aunts, comes of age, and into control of her property. She hears her aunts talking with the old man about her father, Jim Dempster, who was cast adrift by his family, and who ...See moreMary Dempster, who has lived all her life with her two maiden aunts, comes of age, and into control of her property. She hears her aunts talking with the old man about her father, Jim Dempster, who was cast adrift by his family, and who now works in his sisters' employ as bookkeeper at the "Mary" Mine in the West. This is owned by Mary and the spinsters, and Ben Jessen has just been appointed manager. She goes to her father. Mary is seen by Charlie Terrill. the sheriff. and by Ben Jessen as she alights from the old stage at the mine. Terrill leads her to Jim Dempster's cabin. Jessen is attracted to Mary and begins to plan. Jessen has for some time been robbing the owners of the mine, diverting carloads of ore, and having Dawes, his assistant, forge Dempster's name to the bills of lading. Dempster has been no hindrance to this work for his brain is dulled by whiskey. Under Mary's influence her father begins soon to see that something is wrong with the books at the mine. Dawes warns Jessen. but he refuses to be alarmed. Mary and Terrill have become friends, while Jessen still tries to find favor in her eyes. Meantime, the aunts decide to go to the mine. Emboldened by successful thefts, Jessen diverts more cars of ore, and Dempster informs him of the errors. Jessen is furious. He orders Dawes to fasten suspicion on Dempster, and the assistant immediately begins by making insinuating charges against Dempster before the working men. One of the men reproaches Dawes for talking about a man behind his back. Dawes pulls a gun and fires; the man falls, and Dawes flees, followed by a number of men. Terrill arrives to find the man uninjured, but nevertheless pursues Dawes to Mary's cabin, where he has sought refuge, swearing that he is innocent. Terrill warns him to leave the town. Jessen accuses Dempster, but agrees to keep silent if Mary will marry him. She repulses him, and he gives her a week in which to decide. At the end of that time Dempster is taken prisoner, but Terrill goes his bail. Jessen arrives at the cabin while Mary is alone. He attacks her; they struggle. The aunts arrive and follow Terrill and Dempster to the cabin. Terrill rushes into the cabin and grabs Jessen. Jessen tries to slink from the room. Mary points out to her aunts the change in her father. Dawes, having ridden frantically to the cabin, dashes into the scene. He reveals Jessen's crime and his own duplicity, while Terrill quickly covers Jessen with his revolver. Mary introduces Terrill to her aunts. All are happy; the brother and sisters in their reconciliation, and Mary and Terrill in their love. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less