Some Chaperone (1915)

Eddie and Lee are broke and cannot pay their board bill. Eddie receives an answer to his application for a secretaryship, which informs him to call and be examined. Eddie calls and finds his prospective employer suffering from gout, but he makes a good impression and is hired. Among the first things the new secretary notices is that his employer has two fine-looking girls, but Betty is much better looking (to him), and he at once begins to interest her. Betty finds much to interest her in the handsome new secretary, and they become very chummy. Eddie thinks of his partner and decides that he must have a job at the house in order to take Ethel's attention from him and Betty. Father's gout gets worse and in a moment of peeve he fires his housekeeper. Father then announces that he will take a sea voyage for his gout and tells the secretary to go out and get tickets, the girls tell Father that they cannot go, as they have no chaperone, and Eddie in a moment of inspiration thinks of Lee and tells father that he knows a nice old lady that will just suit. Lee disguises and is accepted for the place and the party set out on the ship. Eddie finds cause for discontent as Lee takes charge of the girls, while father insists that the secretary stay and amuse him, but gets back at his partner later. Lee, to insure his job, flirts with Father, who asks Lee to read to him, giving Eddie charge of the girls. Lee is peeved, but unable to help himself. One day he goes to sleep with his head on Father's chest, and in the tossings of his sleep the wig he wears becomes disarranged and comes off. Father wakes, sees a man's head and there is trouble. Lee, not being belligerent, takes to his heels and Father chases him. In the excitement Father forgets his gout and Lee is caught. Eddie then explains matters, stating his partner was almost dead with gout and the only thing that would save him was a sea voyage. Father, having a fellow feeling for a gout sufferer, forgives the boys for their deception and that evening as the sun disappears father holds his chair alone while in a quiet corner sit the couples, happy in their newfound love.

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Summary Details
GenresComedy Short
FilmmakersRole
Al Christie Director
Al Christie Writer
CastRole
Harry L. Rattenberry
Betty Compson
Ethel Lynne
Eddie Lyons