He Who Laughs Last (1910)
What is more pitiable than a ladylike man? He is, putting it mildly, a laugh. And that is why the fellow members of the club to which Reggie belongs are all laughing over a joke one of the fellows is telling about him. "Here he comes now," bashful and timid, but withal a very likable young chap. He is invited to join them, and while talking to the president of the club, a fat, pompous gentleman, he accidentally steps on his foot. "The fat grouch" goes for Reggie with a fiendish delight, and when the boy leaves the room to escape his abuse, all hands, including the president, join in a hearty laugh at the expense of their innocent butt. A few evenings later, at a dance, Reggie is introduced to Miss Ethel Stevens by the president of the club, and she shows a decided preference to him, much to the displeasure of her escort and admirer, Ralph Morris. She eludes Ralph and seeks the company of Reggie, with whom she dances, leaving Ralph foolishly holding two plates of ice cream, which she placed in his hands and which she and Reggie had been eating. Reggie is completely smitten, and makes up his mind there is only one girl for him, and that one is Ethel. The next night Ralph, having noticed Ethel's fondness for Reggie, loses no time in going to her home and popping the question. Ethel refuses him, notwithstanding her father's angry intercession for Ralph. In tears Ethel is bemoaning her fate when the maid announces Mr. Reginald Foster. "Let him come in," is the ready command from Ethel. It is Reggie's turn now. He proposes, is accepted with open arms just as Mr. Stevens enters the room. He orders the young man from the house, but his daughter remains firm in her proclamation of her choice. Ralph goes to the club, piqued at his "turn down," and especially sore at Reggie. One of the club members proposes a good joke on Reggie; he is very enthusiastic over it. An invitation is sent to Reggie to attend a reception at the club that evening. The invitation is dispatched by a messenger, and the recipient comes to the club that evening in full dress, carrying a bouquet, only to find out it is all a joke and meet the jeers and laughs of the whole club. Reggie acknowledges that it is "on him," and then declares that he will get "one on them" with interest, or know the reason why. Ralph Morris tells him that if he pulls a joke on him he will do anything he may ask of him, if it is in his power to grant it. "And I will agree to see that the agreement is carried out," says the club president. They draw up the terms, and after they are regularly signed and witnessed, Reggie bids them all good-night. Reggie has had his eye-teeth cut, and he proves himself to be made of the right stuff. He acquaints Ethel with his agreement with Morris and with his plans of getting even. Just a week- later a swell reception is given, and everybody is there but Reggie. Ralph is there with Ethel and her father; the club president and all the members, too. While everything is in full swing a young woman bursts upon the scene, throws herself upon Ralph, claims him as her long-lost lover and begs him not to desert her for another. The dancers stop and everybody crowds around Ralph and the excited woman. Ethel's father denounces Ralph as a villain; the president of the club and all hands are astonished. Ethel, who knows all about it, is all smiles, and when the joke has gone far enough Reggie pulls off his wig. Ralph acknowledges himself beaten, and when Reggie asks Mr. Stevens for his daughter's hand. Ralph has to withdraw in his favor, and when the father objects the club president soon wins him over and gains his consent to the acceptance of a son-in-law who is clever enough to successfully get the laugh on them all.
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GenresComedy
Short
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