The Old Watchman - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Old Tim Carrigan has been watchman of the Morton factory for forty years. He is highly respected by his employer, Alfred Morton, and often has a quiet game of pinochle with him at night. At home Tim's chief interest is in his granddaughter...See moreOld Tim Carrigan has been watchman of the Morton factory for forty years. He is highly respected by his employer, Alfred Morton, and often has a quiet game of pinochle with him at night. At home Tim's chief interest is in his granddaughter, Hazel, a sweet girl of seventeen. Hazel is loved by Mat, a young workman in the factory, and Tim watches the romance with interest. Then the factory owner dies, and the son, Donald, takes charge. The workmen are not pleased with the change, but Tim argues stoutly for his old friend's son, until Donald shows that he has no interest in his father's sentiments. The position of manager is given to Tom Bowen, a junior professor, who was Donald's chum at college. Bowen is a spendthrift and indulges in much dissipation. Hazel goes to collect her grandfather's pay one day and meets Bowen. She is instantly attracted to the handsome stranger, and he soon has her in his power. Mat is disconsolate at losing his sweetheart. One night Hazel waits for Bowen in vain. She sees him with another girl and follows them. Tim at the factory sees Bowen, and smiles reflectively, "That is the kind of man the new manager is." Then he is horror-stricken a moment later to see Hazel pass by. He goes on after them. Bowen and the woman come to a café and Hazel enters after them. She bitterly upbraids Bowen. but he scorns her, and Mat, who is in the place, rushes to lead her away. About this time Tim enters. He learns the state of affairs and is ready to throttle Bowen, but the latter fells him. Hazel rushes off in the excitement and Mat leads the broken old man out. The next day young Donald discovers that the factory is losing money. The truth is that Bowen has been stealing from the cash and padding the expense account. When questioned Bowen declares that they are paying the workmen too much and announces a large cut in the wages. When the workmen hear this they are indignant, and Tim makes a fervent plea on their behalf. Angered, Bowen discharges him. Tim can scarcely believe he should be so summarily dealt with, but in all his sorrow he determines not to let Hazel know. When he comes home, bringing her some fruit, he discovers that she has killed herself. The blow shatters Tim's mind, and in his great grief he imagines that she is asleep. Bowen at the factory overhears Donald send for an accountant to examine the books. He determines to rob the safe and make a getaway that night while there is no watchman on the job. The night is stormy. Bowen enters the factory and overcomes Donald, who has been looking over the books and is now calling for the police. Bowen is robbing the safe when there is a flash of lightning, and he sees Tim outside. The old watchman, crazed, has not been able to overcome the habit of forty years, and again is on duty. He sees Bowen robbing the safe and there is a terrific struggle between them, but Tim is finally shot and fatally wounded. Bowen is about to make his getaway when the police enter, having heard the shots over the telephone. Tim dies, happy in the performance of his duty, and with his last thoughts for Hazel. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less