When William's Whiskers Worked - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

William Deportment was a grave man. He had been a grave boy, and when he grew into manhood he acquired much wealth, a reputation for austerity, and a long, white beard. He was a star at funerals or religious ceremonies. William had a ...See moreWilliam Deportment was a grave man. He had been a grave boy, and when he grew into manhood he acquired much wealth, a reputation for austerity, and a long, white beard. He was a star at funerals or religious ceremonies. William had a daughter who had many suitors. There was one who won her heart, but father frowned on the suit. But even good men have their days of misfortune, and trouble came to William. He had been in New York on a business trip, and after boarding the train on his way home lost his ticket and wallet out of the window. The conductor told William to pay or get off the train, and gave him a few minutes grace while he collected the other tickets. William took advantage of this by hiding under the seat, only to be detected and hurled off the train while it was in motion. William hobbled along to the nearest station and sent a collect message to his daughter, 200 miles away, ordering her to forward him funds. A little later he got the answer, his daughter had eloped and the house had been burned down. There was no one to pay for the message, and the telegrapher demanded payment. The bearded lady in the local dime museum had left suddenly to see her grandchild, "the only baby born with whiskers," and the museum proprietor was glad to give William's whiskers a chance to work. He speedily decked him out in a dress, and the unhappy William joined the other freaks on the platform. Just about this time the old man's daughter and fiancé arrived in the little town hunting a minister. By shear good luck the son-in-law-elect saw the new bearded lady, rescued him from his novel surroundings and brought him to his daughter with the message: "Your father was so anxious to see our wedding that he dropped off here on his way home." What could William do? If he sent the young man away he would tell how William's whiskers had worked in a side show. So William, being a prudent as well as a stern old man, blessed the young couple and expressed joy in the marriage they contemplated. The bride never knew the story, and she wondered often why it was that her husband never suffered from the severity with which William had been accustomed to treat others who came within his circle. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less