The Night Clerk's Nightmare - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

He was the night clerk in a country hotel, and his one dream was of the time when he could wed the head waitress (she was also the only one), and they would own a little hotel of their very own. Under these circumstances the clerk was ...See moreHe was the night clerk in a country hotel, and his one dream was of the time when he could wed the head waitress (she was also the only one), and they would own a little hotel of their very own. Under these circumstances the clerk was indignant when a drummer, one of the guests, paid marked attention to the girl. She was flattered by the compliments of this man of the world, and temporarily forgot all about the poor clerk, who, like a certain patent medicine, "works while others sleep." The drummer, having the evening to spare, decided to go to the "Opera House," and being a sociable creature, asked the waitress to accompany him. She gladly accepted the invitation, and they strolled out toward the theater, leaving the clerk to his tasks, which were few, and his thoughts of vengeance, which were many. Night clerks in country hotels usually receive small pay, partially because they generally sleep while on duty. This particular clerk was a faithful follower of the precepts of his order, and despite his sorrowful thoughts, he dropped off to sleep before the stove. In his dreams he followed the couple to the "Opery House," just as a terrible fire broke out. The drummer was a coward, and would have left the girl to perish, had it not been for the brave clerk, who did a heroic bit of rescue work. The girl was led off in safety, and the drummer perished in the flames, but when the clerk had taken the girl back to the hotel, the dainty drummer trailed along, as spick and span as ever, and firmly led his partner away again. The night clerk's nightmare led him into astonishing adventures, and he disposed of his rival in many novel ways, one by throwing him into the Whirlpool Rapids at Niagara Falls, a stream which no swimmer can navigate. Still, nothing phased the drummer, he was a persistent chap, in the dream. The poor night clerk tossed and snorted and gurgled. Finally, just as the police arrested him for a series of crimes, he woke up. The girl and the drummer returned from the theater, the drummer paid his bill, took his grips and departed to catch a midnight train, and the girl went up to her room, first stopping to blow a kiss to her fellow employee and admirer. Then the clerk realized that it had all been a dream, and that the drummer was really a fine chap, did not love the girl, but simply was killing time between trains. He also realized that the girl loved him, and he was happy, but his terrible experience spoiled his sleep for the rest of the time that he was on duty, which showed that his experiences made a profound impression on him. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less