The Stenographer (1914)

Gertrude Sawyer supports herself and an invalid sister on her wages as stenographer of a large corporation, but her income does not allow her to fulfill her longing to have her sister seek the remedy of the seaside, or to furnish what conduces to quick recovery. Gertrude's employer, Charles Hardin, has a business rival, Joe Elbert, whom he is anxious to crush. Eager to obtain inside information, Hardin so contrives matters that Gertrude quits his employ and secures a similar position with Elbert. She comes to learn that she is supposed to spy on Elbert and keep Hardin informed of his business secrets. Gertrude is thereby confronted with a terrible alternative. She must either pursue course of action that is dishonorable and repellent, or be thrown out of employment, and thus increase her sister's sufferings, both mental and physical. The situation is complicated by the fact that Gertrude falls in love with Elbert, and he with her. Unknown to Gertrude, Elbert overhears a stormy interview between her and Hardin, and he thus learns how she is situated. However, he does not let Gertrude understand that he knows how she is placed, but arranges that she give false information to Hardin, that drives him to the wall and prospers Elbert. Gertrude, not knowing the trick that Elbert has played, and that through her unconscious aid he has won, remorsefully confesses to him, only to receive his assurance that he knew all about it all the time, understands the situation, and does not resent her part in it. An overcast sky now clears, and comfort delayed comes to the lovers plentifully. Its fullest measure is for a while withheld, until they watch with delight Gertrude's little sister playing in youthful abandon with the nurse. The story brings into strong relief the economic necessities and moral pitfalls that beset the girl who earns her living, and is told with a directness that forcibly drives its lesson home.

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Summary Details
GenresDrama Short
FilmmakersRole
Ashley Miller Director
Mark Swan Writer
CastRole
Gertrude McCoy
Richard Tucker
Edith Peters
Charles Sutton