The Scapegrace - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

On the crest of the hill live the Hammonds, John Hammond, president of the only bank, his wife, his son, Vernon, and his daughter, Isabel. At the foot of the hill lives Jimmy Pierce and on the outskirts of the village, brought up by her ...See moreOn the crest of the hill live the Hammonds, John Hammond, president of the only bank, his wife, his son, Vernon, and his daughter, Isabel. At the foot of the hill lives Jimmy Pierce and on the outskirts of the village, brought up by her old grandfather, lives Mollie, who, because of her parentage, has been shunned by the villagers. Jimmy loves Isabel and she cannot make up her mind whether or not she loves him, being carried away by the rather fast set into which her brother Vernon has carried her. Vernon and Jimmy both work in the bank and outside business hours the banker's son hits the various "high spots" in the nearby country club and city. Vernon meets Mollie and the child becomes devoted to him. The boy realizes the girl's beauty beneath her rags and tries to kiss her, Frightened, she struggles and is rescued by Jimmy who incurs Vernon's hatred. Vernon's escapades reach his father's ears who cuts his son's allowance. Vernon then to keep up the pace begins to steal from the bank. He gets an inside tip on Amal Zinc and speculates with the usual result. He has been altering the books to throw the blame on Jimmy and the night he receives word that he must cover his margin he goes to the bank. Mollie startles him by peering in the window, and he spills ink on a page. Frightened, he removes the page and goes hurriedly out. In his haste to outdistance Mollie and to get home he drops the paper which is treasured by the girl. The shortage is discovered. Jimmy is accused and makes no denial. Isabel brought to a realization of her love for Jimmy states her belief in his innocence. She suspects her brother and Jimmy tells Isabel he would rather take the blame than let her father and mother and herself be disgraced. A run on the bank follows and Jimmy is arrested. Mr. Hammond half knows that his son must be guilty, but cannot bring himself to openly voice his suspicions. Isabel finds Mollie with the paper and the child innocently tells her of seeing Vernon at the bank. Isabel takes the paper and goes home. Faced by the proof of her brother's guilt and her sweetheart's innocence, Isabel does not know what to do. Hearing someone enter she hastily thrusts the paper in the table drawer and when Vernon comes in, she accuses him and begs him to do the right thing, telling him of her love for Jimmy. Vernon asks her what proof she has and she says, "Look in the drawer." She goes out and Vernon opening the drawer, finds the missing ledger sheet and a revolver which Isabel did not see. The boy remembers her last words and interprets them wrongly. Manhood comes to the front and he resolves to take the only way out. He takes the revolver and exits. In the woods he meets the ever faithful Mollie and writing a note to his father, he tells her he is going away and sends the note by her. Mr. Hammond has found the ledger sheet and he is determined that no son of his shall let an innocent man suffer when Mollie brings the note and they know Vernon has paid the penalty for his misdeeds. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less