The Greatest of These Is Charity (1913)
John Morton, a manly young cleric, comes to a small western town. Pity attracts him to Sue, the daughter of a bad character, who lives with the son, Billy, in a shack in the bills. Sue, a good girl, would break away from her surroundings, but she is ostracized by the small-minded villagers. One day, at the close of a meeting, after John says a kindly word to Sue, he is invited to dine with Farmer and Mrs. Brown, who sees in John a desirable mate for their daughter. John goes with them, leading his horse. Sue is being roughly criticized by her father and brother Bill for going to church when the Browns pass, and Sue is horrified to hear them plotting to steal the parson's horse. This they do while John is at dinner. Sue tries to prevent the theft, but is silenced. Time elapses, and Brown's daughter, Marion, does her best to win John over by her blandishments. Sue's father and brother are surprised while rustling horses. The old man is wounded but holds the cowboys at bay and covers his son's retreat. John is talking to the sheriff when the prisoner is brought in, and fearful for Sue, he begs to go with the sheriff. Bill runs home and shows his cowardly spirit and begs Sue to protect him and save him. She takes his guns away and sends him into the shack. The sheriff arrives and asks for Bill. Sue tries to deny his presence, but John takes her hand and asks her and she leads her brother out. The father and son are sentenced to long terms. Sue is free and friendless. She appeals to several women for assistance, but they all avoid her. John takes her to the Browns, who, with some neighbors, are discussing the case. John confidently asks them to take care of the girl until he can arrange for her future. They are indignant and John takes Sue to his own small home. He puts her inside and prepares to sleep on the porch with the old church attendant, who goes, astonished at the proceedings. Farmer Brown spies upon John, but can find no wrong in him. An indignation meeting is called and John pleads for charity, and when he sees that quality is lacking, he takes Sue with him and drives away to a little country church where a friendly parson makes them one, and Sue looks forward, for the first time, to a life of love and charity.
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| David Horsley | Producer |
