Very Much Engaged (1912)

Village cutup Reuben is in love with all the pretty girls. While on a visit to the big city one day, he gets the idea to bring home souvenirs for the girls--but what? He is attracted by a street fakir selling imitation solitaires at 10 cents apiece, so he invests the magnificent sum of 50 cents for 5 rings. On his return to his home village he pays court to five girls and makes each a present of a ring, thinking it a huge joke; on the other hand, each girl takes the matter quite seriously and considers herself engaged. At a barn dance one evening the five girls meet and notice the similarity of the rings, compare notes, and to their utter dismay discover that they have been deceived. They confront Reuben and demand an explanation. He is unable to give any, and for a moment consternation reigns, but in the height of the excitement he manages to escape. The next day four girls enter the village attorney's office, firmly determined to bringing damage suits for blighted affections. The fifth girl, a pretty maidservant, is dragged into the controversy but refuses to bring suit. Upon interrogation, the attorney discovers that no promise of marriage had been made, therefore there are no grounds for a breach-of-promise suit. The attorney subsequently meets Reuben, describes the attitude the girls have taken, and incidentally mentions the pretty maidservant who held aloof from the rest. Upon learning this, Reuben really falls in love with the pretty maidservant, proposes to her, and is accepted. They repair to the parsonage where the happy pair are made one. An old village gossip spreads the news that Reuben is about to marry the maidservant, whereupon the jilted girls enter the parsonage and endeavor to prevent the marriage, but too late. The ceremony has been performed and the four girls leave in a jealous rage while Reuben smilingly strolls forth with his bride on his arm.

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Summary Details
GenresComedy Romance Short
FilmmakersRole
C.J. Williams Director
CastRole
William Wadsworth
Bessie Learn
Gertrude McCoy
Elsie MacLeod