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In Convict Garb
(1913) United States of America
B&W : Two reels
Directed by Harry McRae Webster
Cast: E.H. Calvert [Elliott Swayne], Ruth Stonehouse [Evelyn Deane], Richard C. Travers (Richard Travers) [‘Chub’, the janitor], Bryant Washburn [Philip Warren], Charles Hitchcock [Grant, the bank robber], Thomas Commerford
Essanay Film Manufacturing Company production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Scenario by Harry McRae Webster. / Released 26 September 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? The story of Swayne and “Chub” takes us to the very depths of things, and proves that sometimes it is the gentlemanly fellow of education and polish who is the real criminal, and the poor creature, who through environment and lack of training has of necessity lived the life of a crook, who often raises up under unwonted circumstances as the MAN. Elliott Swayne, cashier in the bank of which John Deane is president and owner, is absolutely unworthy, but by cleverness and pleasant manner, manages to ingratiate himself into the good graces of the old man. He is invited to the Deane home, where he meets and eventually becomes engaged to Evelyn, the banker’s daughter. The cashier, who has gambled with the firm’s money, learns that it is up to him to raise $30,000 or have his dishonest operations uncovered. He arranges with the janitor “Chub,” whom he knows to be a crook, to rob the bank. On the night of the robbery, “Chub” and a couple of his pals easily manage to get into the building and overpower the watchman, but as they are robbing the safe, several policemen rush in just in time to prevent them from getting away. One of the thieves “squeals” on Swayne, who confesses, and with “Chub” and the other men, is sent to the penitentiary. Evelyn is horrified when she hears of her fiancé’s confession, but is consoled by the sympathy of Phillip Warren, an old friend of the family, who she afterwards marries. Several years later, Warren is appointed warden of the state prison, where Swayne has the misfortune of daily witnessing the happiness of Phillip and Evelyn. “Chub,” on account of good behavior, has been made a “trusty,” and proves to be a valuable and faithful servant to the warden and his family. The little daughter of the household is especially fond of him, and he becomes greatly attached to her, as she is his constant companion while working around the garden and the house. Swayne has always been a rebellious and sullen prisoner. He finally breaks loose, and with the help of some of his fellow prisoners, who overcome the guards, he goes to the warden’s office where he finds Evelyn with her little daughter, and “Chub” who is working about the room. He knocks the “trusty” senseless, and pushing the mother aside, grabs the child and flies. The mother gives the alarm, which sends the warden and his men out on the chase. When “Chub” regains consciousness and learns that Swayne has gotten away, he leaves without waiting for orders, and jumping into a passing automobile, begs the driver to help him rescue the little girl. Swayne makes his way to the railroad, and seeing that he is being followed, jumps on a handcar and rides off down the track. “Chub” follows in the machine and as he comes up along the side, jumps on the moving handcar, throws Swayne off, and rides with the little one in his arms to where the father and the guards have followed. Swayne is captured, and the child joyfully returned to the anxious mother and father by her playfellow “Chub.”
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 4 April 2020.
References: Sloan-Loud pp. 41, 149 : Website-IMDb.
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