The Joke Wasn't on Ben Bolt (1913)
Captain Bowser, who is made an unwilling purchaser of the personal and professional effects of Madame de Risque, who recently died, makes use of them to play a practical joke on his old friend, Ben Bolt. He masquerades as Madame de Risque, having previously induced Ben to consent to attend a sitting. Ben is ushered into the mystic parlor where the pretended clairvoyant, after startling maneuvers, goes into a trance, and writes a message to Ben, the purport of which is that Ben will soon find a great treasure. Ben is skeptical, but he is willing to be convinced. Bowser takes two of Ben's chums into his confidence and the three prepare to hand Ben a lemon. Bowser fakes a Captain Kydd message, puts it in a bottle, surreptitiously plants it on the sea-shore where Ben will find it. Ben bites good and hard. He is strolling along the beach and comes across the bottle, studies the Kydd chart and sets out to dig for the treasure. Bowser and his fellow conspirators watch Ben, observe his preparations, and follow him to the spot where he is to be allowed to dig until they can come from their hiding place and give him the grand laugh for his pains. Ben follows literally the instructions of the "Kydd" chart, the conspirators in the meantime enjoying hugely the success of the joke. To their amazement, Ben locates a real treasure. Ben digs and turns op an iron-bound box, which he breaks open. He begins throwing out useless articles, to the inexpressible joy of the jokers. Ben in disgust, turns over the box and smashes it with his shovel. A false bottom falls out and a dozen leather bags roll out. Ben cuts one open. It is filled with gold coins. He takes his treasure home and is counting his wealth, when Bowser and his companions come in. Ben is explaining the occult powers of Madame de Risque and the Kydd business, when Bowser sheepishly discloses the truth. The four old cronies have a hearty laugh, Ben gives them each a generous portion of unexpected wealth, and "Bottoms-up" they drink to the health of Captain Kydd.
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GenresComedy
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Charles Kent | Director |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Charles Eldridge | |
| Robert McWade Sr. | |
| Charles Michael Edwards | |
| Edward See |
