A Reformation Delayed (1916)
Wealthy old gentleman Peter Norwood is forgetful and careless. His daughter Margaret often reproaches him, but to no avail. Margaret conducts a refuge in the slums and is greatly beloved by the poor people, who know her only as "Our Lady Margaret." One day Margaret is saved from the advances of several ruffians by Jim Hartley. Margaret is greatly attracted to him, but he is not of her station, so she allows the friendship to grow without divulging her real identity. Jim is really a crook, and when his accomplice Dollie, who loves him, sees him with Margaret, she is furious. When Jim tells her he's marrying Margaret, Dollie is desperate and informs Margaret of Jim's true character, and Margaret sadly tells them they must part. Dollie leads Jim away, and finally makes him realize that Margaret is not of his class. They leave the city. Margaret is heartbroken. Two years pass. Margaret has never forgotten Jim. She does not know that he and Dollie have prospered, and have returned as Mr. and Mrs. Brownley-Smythe to continue their operations in high society. Jim meets Norwood at the club, is of service to him, and Norwood tenders him an invitation to the ball. Jim is pleased, sure that he can make a good haul. At the ball, Margaret doesn't recognize Jim or Dollie. Norwood has left his safe unlocked and Jim and Dollie, seeking privacy in the library, notice this. They are seen with their masks off by Margaret, and she is much affected at the thought that Jim is still a thief. Jim and Dollie rifle the safe; the butler catches a glimpse of them. He immediately notifies Norwood of the robbery. Margaret, greatly alarmed at the turn of events, slips back of the curtains separating the rooms. Jim consents to a search, but nudges Dollie to take the jewels. A hand from behind the curtain gets them instead. Just as the butler is about to search Jim. Margaret steps out with jewel box in hand, and says, "It was just a little trick of mine, you careless old dad, to show how easily your safe might be robbed." Jim and Dollie stare at her in amazement and realize how they have been saved.
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Domestic
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International
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Worldwide
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GenresComedy
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Edward Sloman | Director |
| Julian La Mothe | Writer |
| Melvin Mayo | Writer |
| Siegmund Lubin | Producer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| William Spencer | |
| Francelia Billington | |
| Robert N. Bradbury | |
| Helen Wolcott |
