The Church Across the Way (1912)
Brokenheated by the loss of his wife and child, John Mason is contemplating suicide when he is suddenly confronted by his old mother, who greets him tenderly. Ashamed of his intentions, he dismisses her with a kiss and walks meditatively to the window, gazing at the little church across the way. Strains of music and the voices of the vested choir greet his ears. His mother joins him and together they listen to the comforting words. Not far away, a different scene is being enacted. Little Dottie Breen, with her dog Jean, is making her way towards the home of her maiden aunt, with a note stating that her mother has died penniless and has sent her to her Aunt Hester for a home and shelter. The spinster aunt, of irritable disposition, reads the note and welcomes the child grudgingly. She objects to the presence of the little girl's dog and decides to get rid of it, announcing the sale of the dog by placing a sign outside the house. Dot has ideas of her own and puts them into operation by painting a sign herself, stating that she is for sale as well as her dog. She puts on her little hat and filling a small basket with eatables, she leaves her aunt's home, wandering out into the adjacent woods. John Mason, in quest of peace of mind, is walking through the woods and discovers Dot and her dog, with the sign fastened on a tree above them. He takes the little one and her companion to his home, and makes them part of his family, bringing a new light and joy into it. Dot takes readily to Mrs. Mason and her new surroundings, and when Christmas comes, happiness reigns in the household. As they all gather around the Christmas tree, John and his mother watch the child's happy face as she and her dog enjoy the feast prepared for them.
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GenresDrama
Short
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