The Better Man (1912)
Walter Earl and Elmer Hay are two young farmers who are suitors for Dot Maynard's hand. Her father favors Walter while she herself favors Elmer. Walter is a clean cut young chap, but is inclined to be rather wayward and it is just those shortcomings that cause Dot to think that her sympathy and pity for him amount to real love. The rivalry comes to a climax shortly before the party at Dot's house. Elmer finds Walter trying to kiss Dot as she is returning from school after having a show fight with him. Taking Elmer's proffered arm she leaves Walter laughing at her and goes home with Elmer. The night of the country dance and candy pull when all the country side is on hand the two young men almost come to blows. In fact after Elmer has been cautioned by Dot's father not to show her too much attention he finds the hard cider much to his liking and when the two are about to come to an ugly fight it is only averted by the father's anger and the breaking up of the party. Maynard has Walter wait and tells Dot that it is his wish that she marry him and his command that she have nothing further to do with Elmer. Elmer has waited outside for Walter to leave and then throws a snowball to Dot's bedroom window. She sees him and comes down to meet him by stealth. They arrange to elope the next day. On the way to meet her the next day, Elmer somewhat under the influence of drink, curses and beats his horse unmercifully when the sleigh overturns. Dot, coming along with her bundle of clothing, oversees his brutality and her seeming love at once turns to hate. Walter happens by when Elmer tries to force her into the sleigh and takes her home with him. She tells her father everything and he leaves her with Walter. She asks Walter's forgiveness and discovers that she has really loved him all along.
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Domestic
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International
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Worldwide
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GenresDrama
Romance
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Hazel Hubbard | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Henry B. Walthall | |
| Gertrude Robinson | |
| James Cooley |
