Portuguese Joe - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Ned Bunting, a studious young man who prefers books to manual labor in his father's quarry, decides to leave home after being chided by his father, and enlists as a sailor, hoping to be able to continue his studies unmolested on board the ...See moreNed Bunting, a studious young man who prefers books to manual labor in his father's quarry, decides to leave home after being chided by his father, and enlists as a sailor, hoping to be able to continue his studies unmolested on board the vessel. Portuguese Joe, a poor boy, who is the all-around butt of the crew, is being beaten by the mate when Ned interferes, his manhood revolting at this cowardly attack and gives the mate a thorough thrashing. For this interference with the unjust laws of the high seas, he is ties to the mast and flogged in a brutal manner until he falls exhausted from pain. Portuguese Joe is a witness to the flogging of his champion and at the first opportunity he follows the mate and slays him with a belaying-pin, then rushes away from the scene of the crime. When the mate's body is found Ned is accused of the murder and is sent to prison to await trial. Portuguese Joe, after a long and dangerous flight through the swamps falls exhausted in front of a beautiful home and is here discovered by Ned's father and sister, who cares for him and employ him as a servant. The daily papers inform them of Ned's imprisonment, and the family is overcome with the news. Ned's sister is kissing a photograph of her brother and Joe in deep sympathy with his benefactors, looks at the photo and discovers that his champion is the original. He informs the family of the circumstances of the crime and also of his guilt, and voluntarily surrenders himself to the authorities. Through the influence of Ned and his father he is acquitted of the crime and finds a home with his benefactors. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less