One Man's Evil - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Harvey Clay is called "The Stranger" in Boulder. He is well liked by the young folks for his happy-go-lucky ways, but the parents, suspicious of his silence, will have none of him. Jim Daley is especially prejudiced, for his son, Bert, has...See moreHarvey Clay is called "The Stranger" in Boulder. He is well liked by the young folks for his happy-go-lucky ways, but the parents, suspicious of his silence, will have none of him. Jim Daley is especially prejudiced, for his son, Bert, has taken to drinking and gambling since the "stranger" arrived; he has also made inroads in the affections of Bliss Daly. The sheriff of Boulder County loves Bliss and wishes to make her his wife. Lucy Kent arrives home from college. She is the daughter of the wealthiest rancher in the valley. The Kent and Daly ranches adjoin and in their childhood, Lucy plighted her troth to Bert, so it is natural that when she returns, a beautiful young lady, Bert feels he has a claim on her. She encourages Bert till the "stranger" crosses her path, when she transfers her affections to him. At last Clay urges Lucy to elope. She consents but later backs out. Bert comes from hiding, confronts Clay and accuses him of evil intentions. Clay taunts him; Bert jumps upon him. A struggle takes place between them. In the tussle Clay's gun drops to the ground. The "stranger" throws Bert from him and with a sneer at Bert's poor showing as a fighter, walks away. Bert finds the gun and is about to shoot when he thinks better of it. But later, under the influence of liquor, the murderous inclination again passes him. He starts out determined to find Clay. Hidden in the brush, he sees Lucy about to depart with Clay. He becomes crazed, levels the gun and fires at Clay. Lucy, however, makes a sudden move away from Clay and receives the bullet. She falls apparently dead. Bert is horror-struck. He throws the gun from him and runs away filled with terror. A crowd of ranchers soon gathers. Clay is dazed at the sudden turn of affairs and remains silent; the gun is found and proves to belong to the "stranger." The crime is naturally attributed to him and he is arrested. Bert returns home to Bliss, looking for money with which to clear out of the country. He breaks down, and confesses to Bliss. She is heart-broken but helps him to get away. Later she learns through the sheriff that Harvey Clay has been arrested for the crime. An immense mob surrounds the jail intent on lynching Clay. The sheriff asks Daly to assist him in restoring order and again Bliss is thrown into a panic, for she realizes how futile their puny efforts will be. By careful maneuvering, she leads the sheriff into a love declaration. While in his embrace she contrives to get the keys to the jail. Another urgent call is made for the sheriff and he tears himself away from his love-making. Bliss, on horseback, loses no time in making a cross-cut to the jail. She creeps along the rear of the buildings, sees the guards called off duty to assist in holding the front of the jail against the mob. She enters the rear of the jail, finds Clay's cell and leads him out to liberty. Bert has reached the nearest large town. He sees an account in the newspapers of the shooting, learns that Clay has been arrested and that mob violence is feared. He has a conflict with conscience and decides to return and face the consequence of his act. The crowd in front of the jail is beyond the control of the law-abiding. Guns are drawn and the sheriff, seeing that other lives are in danger, promises to hand over the prisoner. He reaches for his keys, finds them gone and is puzzled. The mob will not wait, however. They wreck the jail and force an entrance followed by the sheriff. They find the prisoner gone and abuse the sheriff. The sheriff decides to return to the Daly ranch where he remembers having the keys last. Poor Bliss meanwhile has started her long journey home, making desperate haste. She hears a horse's hoofs behind and scrambles into hiding. She sees the sheriff gallop by and fear possesses her but she goes on. The sheriff reaches the ranch, sees the evidence of Bliss' hasty departure and a terrible doubt takes hold of him. He has been tricked by Bliss so she could set her lover free. At this critical moment Bliss staggers in and falls fainting. His suspicions confirmed, he takes the keys and, heart-broken, is about to leave when Bert bursts into the room. He gives himself up to the sheriff, confessing his guilt. He in turn learns there is a chance for Lucy's recovery. The sheriff is overcome on learning that Bliss' concern was really for her brother's sake. He tenderly lifts her up and places her in her brother's arms. He tells them as far as he is concerned Bert's confession shall never be used against him. In the due course of time Lucy recovers and Bert devotes his life to her. Bliss has also learned her lesson and can appreciate the true worth of men like Sheriff Howe. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less