In the Open (1914)
In a covered wagon drawn by two scrawny horses, Sancho Mendez, a Mexican, makes camp near a settler's homestead. With him is his step-daughter, Conchita, whom he mistreats. Ben Carroll, the homesteader, lives alone with his mother, who is ill. She suffers a slight relapse and Ben goes for a doctor. On the way he protects Conchita from her step-father's brutality and knocks him down. Learning the girl's story, and sorry for her, Ben takes her to his shack and leaves her in care of his mother. He then resumes his journey, after stopping long enough to warn Mendez not to molest her. Meanwhile, the sick woman, slightly recovering, shows Conchita some old keepsakes, including some valuable jewelry. Mendez, lurking about, peers through the window. Forcing his way into the shack with a revolver, he takes possession of the jewelry and compels Conchita to return with him. He prepares for a hasty departure. Suddenly Conchita sees Ben and the doctor and attempts to attract their attention. As she does so, Mendez sees her and threatens to shoot the men if she makes an outcry. He then forces her into the wagon while Ben and the doctor ride on. Crouched in the wagon, Conchita sobs heartbrokenly. An idea occurs to her. As Mendez busies himself for departure Conchita sets fire to the wagon cover. As the flames leap up, the Mexican drags her from the wagon, where she falls in a swoon. Ben and the doctor, attracted by the flames, arrive on the scene and are told the facts by Conchita, who has quickly recovered consciousness. Mendez is disarmed and the jewelry recovered. The sheriff, attracted by the burning wagon, appears and takes the Mexican into custody. Realizing in a flash that he loves the girl, Ben takes Conchita back to his mother, who welcomes her tenderly.
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Worldwide
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Sydney Ayres | Director |
| J. Edward Hungerford | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| William Garwood | |
| Vivian Rich | |
| Harry von Meter | |
| Louise Lester |
