The Call of the West (1912)

This story deals with a westerner, who comes into a fortune left by his uncle in the east. One clause of the will provides, however, that the legatee must live in the ancestral house in the east, otherwise the fortune is lost. Bill Smith accepts the conditions and goes east, he is soon settled in his new house, surrounded by every luxury money can buy. But these things do not appeal to Bill. He longs for the free life of the prairie. Naturally he is much sought after, owing to his wealth and new position. He gains the clubs, attends balls and receptions, where the idle rich are wont to congregate. Still he is far from happy. One day at his club, Bill protects Edith Mason, a little flower girl from the insults of a half-drunken loafer. In the scrimmage the girl receives a blow. Bill takes her to her home in his auto. They soon become fast friends. Edith's mother is a consumptive. She receives a letter from her brother in the west telling her of his coming to New York to take her west with him, where it is hoped the climate would benefit her. Bill calls on Edith and is shown the letter. Much to his surprise he finds that the uncle is Pete Curley, his former friend and fellow cowpuncher. Bill shows Pete the sights. As the time for the departure of his friends draws nearer, Bill's longing for the west grows stronger. He realizes that his new acquaintances tolerate him because of his wealth. This he proves by a clever ruse. After bidding good-bye to Pete and Edith, in whom he becomes very much interested, he returns to his home of luxury. He is very unhappy. The call of the west is too strong for him to resist. He writes a note to his lawyers, relinquishing all claims to the estate and rushes madly to the station, just in time to gain the little party, as they board the train for the west.

All Releases

Domestic
International
Worldwide
Summary Details
GenresDrama Short Western
FilmmakersRole
Mark M. Dintenfass Producer
CastRole
Charles Hoskins
Evelyn Francis
Lawrence B. McGill
Frederick Webber