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The Smuggler’s Prisoner
(1912) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by [?] Gaston Méliès and/or Robert Goodman?
Cast: [?] Francis Ford?
G. Méliès production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by Gaston Méliès. / Released 7 November 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Western.
Synopsis: [From Méliès promotional materials] Their boat upsets at sea, Mary drifts ashore with the aid of oars while Jim is picked up by a smuggler’s vessel and forced to become a smuggler and lead their vile, lawless life. Many times he attempts to escape, but is thwarted. Five years elapse. All believe him dead. Paul, Jim’s former partner, asks Mary’s hand in marriage, but is refused because she prefers to wait and hope. She loved Jim too well, but not in vain, for he at last effects his escape and the happy family is reunited because of Mary’s love and FAITH. // [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Making an exceptionally good haul early in the morning, Jim and John, partners in a fishing smack, declare a holiday. Jim’s wife, Annie, prepares luncheon and, leaving the children in care of the obliging John, goes for a long promised row to sea with Jim. Returning that night the boat springs a leak, then sinks, and husband and wife are thrown into the water far from shore. Jim places the oars under his wife’s arms for support and swims for help. Ann is washed ashore safe, though exhausted, and is revived by John, who, worried by their long absence, was at the shore searching for them with a sea glass. Jim is picked up by a smuggler’s boat, and when well, is forced to become one of them. He attempts to escape when in port by instigating a mutiny, but is overpowered and threatened with death should he try it again. He is put under close surveillance. Five years have passed and Ann is still waiting and watching for Jim. Not once but many times, John, as Jim’s best friend asks her hand in marriage, but she refuses. When the smugglers’ vessel nears Jim’s own port the temptation is too strong for him. He risks his life to jump overboard. On the shore are little Mary and Jim, Jr., his children, but they do not know him. They rescue him as he reaches shore exhausted and then call their mother. Ann recognizes him at once and the happy family are reunited once more after years of love and belief.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 23 May 2024.
References: Thompson-Star p. 232 : ClasIm-226 p. 55 : Website-IMDb.
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