His Better Self - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Lucille is lured into a café by Joe. Harry, a young man ruined through drink, is in an adjoining booth, where he overhears the pleadings of a girl as she fights away the wine glass proffered her. Recalling his own experience, the little ...See moreLucille is lured into a café by Joe. Harry, a young man ruined through drink, is in an adjoining booth, where he overhears the pleadings of a girl as she fights away the wine glass proffered her. Recalling his own experience, the little good left in him rises to the surface and asserts itself. Harry appears and knocks the glass from Joe's hand. A terrific fight ensues, during which Harry vanquishes Joe, leaving him insensible. Harry leads her through the crowded café and bids her go home. Six months later we find Harry surrounded by a gang of toughs, who plan to rob the broker's safe. Harry's pleadings to be counted out are useless; they force him to accompany them. Harry is stunned by the sight he has been forced to witness, and although he has taken no direct part in the crime, he fully realizes how impossible it would be to convince others of his innocence, Rushing from the place, he boards a freight train and soon is on his way to "don't care where." Time passes. Joe and Lucille, happily married, leave for the west. Two years later Joe becomes sheriff of his county. Living the life of a hunted criminal, Harry finally succumbs to conscience. In the shadow of a sheriff's office, he concludes to give himself up, regardless of the consequences. He rushes inside, but before he can say a word, finds himself face to face with Joe, who meets him with outstretched hands, grateful for the lesson Harry taught him in the café years before. Joe finally makes him his deputy. Just as Harry is sworn in and Joe is congratulating him, a telegram is received from the sheriff at Chicago saying, "Slick Pete, wanted for complicity in diamond robbery two years ago, traced to your locality, etc." Joe hands the telegram to Harry, wishing him success on his first case, and giving him handcuffs to secure his prisoner. An hour later Harry enters with the handcuffs on his own wrists. Joe absolves Harry from all blame, then wires Chicago, "Slick Pete died here yesterday." Joe was right, for his friend was not Harry, the Slick Pete, but his better self. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less