Wrecked in Mid-Air - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Morgan and Clarke, aeroplane manufacturers, are partners. Morgan, a much older man than Clarke and father of a charming daughter named Betty, leaves a good deal of the business to the junior partner, who is very ambitious and whose one aim...See moreMorgan and Clarke, aeroplane manufacturers, are partners. Morgan, a much older man than Clarke and father of a charming daughter named Betty, leaves a good deal of the business to the junior partner, who is very ambitious and whose one aim is to make a fortune quickly. Finding money does not roll in fast enough to satisfy him, Clarke, wishing to get rid of his senior partner, conceives a plot to gain his ends. A contract has been given the firm to build an army aeroplane, and two workmen bribed by Clarke swear that they have received instructions from Morgan to send a duplicate of the most important part of the machinery to a foreign government. An inquiry is opened and Morgan is accused of treason, but their conscience awakened by the sight of their kind old master's plight and the grief of his daughter, the workmen confess and Clarke is unmasked. The latter quits the works with rage in his heart and a fierce desire for revenge. Several months pass. Clarke, at the head of a band of adventurers, seeks a fortune in the gold country. By a lucky chance he finds a quantity of hidden treasure, and again he determines to get even with his late partner. A great war race has been arranged, and Morgan has entered his latest model, which is to be piloted by Arizona Bill, his chief aviator, who is well known to the public and is the favorite for the race. The day arrives, but Morgan is confined to his house with a bad attack of gout. Betty drives off in her automobile alone to witness the start from the flying ground several miles distant. En route the girl is stopped by a band of horsemen sent by Clarke, who takes her prisoner and drives off with her in the car. Meanwhile Bill, high in the air, sees the car a mere speck in the distance, and being somewhat disappointed that neither his employer nor his pretty daughter has come to see his ascent, he wonders if they have been delayed and focuses his field glasses on the auto. To his astonishment he recognizes Betty struggling with her captors. Without hesitation he abandons the race to go to her assistance, but the desperadoes number four and advance upon him, pushing Betty in front of them, thus making it impossible for him to fire, force him to hand over his revolver and take him prisoner also, fastening his aeroplane to the back of the car and towing the machine along. Clarke's satisfaction may be imagined. A double capture, and all chance of winning the aeroplane race spoiled. Meanwhile Morgan is in despair. Betty has disappeared and no news has been received of Arizona Bill since he started off on the famous race. Everyone believes that the daring aviator has fallen into the sea and perished. Bill, however, is not the man to confess himself beaten. One night, seizing his chance while his guard sleeps, he quietly forces his way under the tent flap and soon finds his aeroplane, which is intact, only needing oil. Thus he soon sets the machinery in motion and the aeroplane rises into the air. But the noise has roused the camp and Clarke and his men are soon in pursuit. A bomb is thrown at the aeroplane and sets fire to the huge wing, and with terrible speed the huge bird falls useless to the ground. Betty and Bill are taken from among the debris, both terribly injured, and carried back to captivity. Some weeks later the prisoners having recovered from their injuries, Clarke fears they may again escape him, and a thought comes to him. He has them carried into one of the disused mines and the opening closed up with stone and earth. But Bill is favored by fortune and by chance he finds some kegs of explosives left by the miners. The two prisoners arrange the powder, set a trail, and soon a terrific explosion occurs just beneath Clarke's encampment, the miserable man meeting a well-deserved fate in company with his accomplices. Betty and Bill, free once more, catch two of the horses which escaped death and are soon galloping toward home. Mr. Morgan can scarcely believe his eyes when the lost ones enter. An enthusiastic welcome is accorded the intrepid Bill, and he and Betty, having discovered their mutual love, exchange their first kiss. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less