The Old Captain (1911)

The old Captain returns from his voyage and is welcomed by his faithful wife. The mate, a young husky man, is jealous of the Captain, and goes straight to the ship owner's office to knock him. He accomplishes the Captain's discharge. The old Captain breaks the news to his wife, who immediately betakes herself to the office. The old lady goes away disappointed. The new master cares not for his holiday, but returns at once to the ship, where he proceeds to give orders. The old Captain comes for his clothes, and offers his hand to the new Captain, who shakes it most lamely. A month later we see the new Captain drunk in his cabin, while a storm is raging. His men are hard at work at the wheel. The mate then rushes to the Captain's cabin and arouses him. The Captain and mate have a fight over the wheel, and, unable to control her, the ship strikes the rocks and is lost. The storm rages on land, and the old Captain comes home and tells his wife of the terrible night, and wonders what may be the fate of his old ship. From the date of the old Captain's discharge, ill luck stalks like a shadow in the wake of the ship-owner, and from small losses, he suffers the loss of his wife, which almost crushes him. Then the final blow comes in the loss of his ship. He takes at once to the use of cocaine, and a month later finds him not only ruined financially, but a mental wreck as well. Six months pass and the erstwhile ship-owner falls on the sidewalk in front of the old Captain's home. The couple are on their way from church, and full of kindness they assist him to the house, where they care for him as though he were their own. With no thought of reward, they repay good for evil and are content.

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Summary Details
Running Time10 min
GenresDrama Short