The Class Reunion (1911)
Professor Burns, an aged instructor, is reduced to poverty, and the story opens at his home, where he is receiving the condolence of his good wife. His book, on which he has been working for months, has been declined by publishers and he is in the throes of despair. He has no money to satisfy the butcher, but rather than part with one of his books, he endures the pangs of hunger. Unexpectedly he receives a note from one of his old pupils, inviting him to a banquet in honor of the seven surviving members of the class. He is not inclined to accept the invitation, as he has not the proper clothing, but his wife insists, and from an old trunk resurrects an old-time dress suit and silk hat and he goes away in high glee. He meets his old pupils and, after a college yell, they repair to the banqueting room. The professor, thinking on his starving wife, deftly secrets articles of food in the folds of his napkin and handkerchief, which he afterwards removes to his pockets, unseen by any of the guests. During the evening the host exhibits a beautiful, unset ruby he has brought from Persia. The bauble is passed around the table for inspection, and is universally admired. It reaches the professor last, and, in passing it back to the host, it falls, unnoticed into a wine glass. The host soon discovers the loss of the stone and institutes a search, to no avail. One of the diners suggests that a search of the guests be made and that all turn their pockets inside out. All do so except the professor. He is embarrassed and, much to the surprise of all, leaves the room and the house. One of the men follows him out of curiosity. The professor goes directly home, and, without telling his wife what has happened, seats her at a table, takes the food from his pocket and she eats with relish. The man who has followed, witnesses the scene in amazement. He hastens back to the banquet room and tells his fellow classmates of the poverty of their old preceptor. During his absence the jewel has been found and his story is listened to with attention. The men at the banquet are all interested. They weigh themselves down with baskets of food and pay the professor a visit. They present him with many tokens of their love and respect and, when the old professor breaks down in gratitude, they cover his embarrassment with a series of college yells, given with a will and the old instructor and his wife are happy.
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Carl Laemmle | Producer |
