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  • The Path of Darkness (1916)
  • Short | Short, Drama
The Path of Darkness (1916)
Short | Short, Drama
Charles Bainbridge, a stockbroker, incurs the secret enmity of his partner, Charles Taylor, by winning the favor of Madge Conners, a "girl of the white lights." Bainbridge goes to the mountains for a vacation and meets Marie Martin, a poor...See moreCharles Bainbridge, a stockbroker, incurs the secret enmity of his partner, Charles Taylor, by winning the favor of Madge Conners, a "girl of the white lights." Bainbridge goes to the mountains for a vacation and meets Marie Martin, a poor blind girl. The girl wins his heart, and when he returns to the city he breaks off his relations with Madge. Bob Summers, an artist, camping near Marie's home, meets her. She is a protegee of the old priest, and Summers is inspired to paint a picture of her kneeling at the altar of the church. Bainbridge goes back to the mountains to ask the girl to marry him, leaving a power of attorney with Taylor. He arrives as Summers is on the verge of proposing. He wins Marie, they are married by the old priest, and he takes her to his city home. In the meantime Madge and Taylor have gotten together, and through the misuse of the power of attorney invest Bainbridge's money in worthless stocks and depart. When Bainbridge reaches the city with his bride he finds himself ruined. He takes to drink, is soon swallowed in the whirlpool of life, and drags Marie down to abject poverty. Madge has been traveling the downward path, and occupies a room in a cheap tenement. Bainbridge and Marie, with their infant, rent the adjoining room. Bainbridge meets Madge in the hall and in a fit of rage attacks her, but Madge's companion, a burly longshoreman, gives him a severe beating. A few days later, while looking for work, Bainbridge again meets Madge's friend, and the quarrel is renewed, resulting in Bainbridge's death at the hands of the ruffian. Summers sees the crowd of people watching the arrest and recognizes Bainbridge. Marie's baby is ill, and becoming alarmed, she asks Madge to lead her to a hospital. Still burning with vindictiveness against Bainbridge, Madge guides Marie to a dive. The sight of the innocent face of the baby and the contrast of Marie's purity finally touches her heart, however, and she takes Marie and the baby to a hospital. On the way home the women meet Summers, who does not reveal his identity to Marie. He accompanies them home, and when Madge goes to her room he tells her of the death of Bainbridge and the arrest of his assailant. Madge is touched with remorse, and Summers arranges with her to lead Marie to his studio every day to pose as a model. As the months go by Marie learns to love the kindly man who has enabled her to earn a living for herself and child, and Madge realizes the folly of her past life and becomes religiously inclined. Summers finally reveals his identity to the blind girl and receives her consent to wed him. Madge takes the veil and devotes the rest of her life to deeds of charity and kindness. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Director
Harry De Vere (as Harry T. De Vere)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Oct 20, 1916
Release date
Oct 20, 1916 (United States)

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6 cast members
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