The Hunchback (1913)

Johnny falls and is seriously injured. Marie, his little playmate, considers herself to blame. A doctor declares that although the boy will recover, he will be a hunchback. Marie becomes melancholy. Her parents take her abroad to make the child forget the incident. Fifteen years later, "Humpty" Johnson, otherwise known as "The Fiend," is the terror of his companions in the underworld. The man is wanted by the police. "Humpty" learns that "Rat" Donovan, his pal, has betrayed him to the officers. He follows the man home and strangles him. The crime is discovered. "The Fiend" resolves to commit one more robbery and escape to other parts. He breaks into a house that promises a rich haul. The man hears voices in the next room. Cautiously approaching the portieres, he listens. Marie cannot forget the terrible fate of her little playmate. Her sweetheart, David, finds her in a melancholy mood when he calls and learns the story. Marie tells him she is anxious to find her former playmate and do what she can to help him forget his affliction. "Humpty" overhears this with glee. Later, the man appears before Marie. He announces himself as the crippled Johnny and demands assistance. Horrified, Marie empties her purse in his hands. The man leaves. That evening he conceives the idea of compelling her to marry him. The following day, David meets the real Johnny. Despite the doctor's prediction, the boy had regained his health. David breaks the news to Marie, who realizes she has been hoodwinked. Meanwhile, the police run "Humpty" to bay. The man sees them approaching, and shoots at them through his window, until he has but one bullet left. When the officers break into Johnson's room, they find him lying dead.

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Summary Details
Running Time13 min
GenresDrama Short
FilmmakersRole
Kenean Buel Director
CastRole
Tom Moore
Alice Joyce
Harry F. Millarde