The Embezzler (1914)
According to the play a sinister family skeleton overshadows and threatens to wreck the lives of two innocent persons, until the workers of evil defeat themselves by the same methods with which they at first gained ascendancy over others. John Spencer had been a criminal at one time in his life; he feared the iron hand of the law. But as much as he feared the law falling upon his shoulder and forcing him to answer for his misdeeds of long ago, he loved his daughter. For her he sought to do right. Pauline was ignorant of her father's past and she idolized him as a good father and a man of principles. Roger Dixon is the only man who knows of and can prove John Spencer's guilt. He makes this knowledge the basis of a systematic scheme of blackmail: the price of his silence growing larger day by day. Pauline loves and is loved by Arthur, a young attorney. As time passes the blackmailer grows bold in his demands, and finally he threatens that if Pauline is not given to him in marriage he will send Spencer to states prison. The father, a moral coward, becomes party to a scheme to discredit Arthur in the girl's eyes. As an actor in the plot, Spencer goes to Arthur with a number of options which the young attorney is to investigate, but not to sell. Arthur gives Spencer a receipt for the options. Dixon secures the assistance of two crooks. Dick, the penman, and Perkins. All three go to a restaurant to perfect their plans. With a half knowledge of the affair. Pauline follows Dixon and from a hiding place listens to the plans of the three men. Pauline returns to her father. He breaks down and tells her of his misconduct in early life and Dixon's power over him. To save him Pauline consents to marry Dixon. In the meantime, Perkins steals the options from Arthur's office and the case against the attorney is complete. In paying off Dick, the penman, and Perkins for their services in the conspiracy, the crooks fall out and Dick shoots and kills Dixon. With Dixon the family skeleton in the closet of the Spencer residence also expires and happiness follows for all.
All Releases
Domestic
–
–
International
–
–
Worldwide
–
–
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Allan Dwan | Director |
| Allan Dwan | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Murdock MacQuarrie | |
| Pauline Bush | |
| William C. Dowlan | |
| Lon Chaney |
