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  • The Grafters (1907)
  • Short | Comedy, Short
The Grafters (1907)
Short | Comedy, Short
The first act in this new get-rich-quick drama shows the setting of the snare which an unscrupulous young man intends as the first rung of the ladder on which he is to climb to financial success. He is seen industriously tacking up a sign ...See moreThe first act in this new get-rich-quick drama shows the setting of the snare which an unscrupulous young man intends as the first rung of the ladder on which he is to climb to financial success. He is seen industriously tacking up a sign in which an offer is made of $500.00 reward for the recovery of a very valuable watch lost in that neighborhood, the engraving and lettering on which is carefully described in the notice. The would-be millionaire then secretes himself and awaits results. Several passers give the reward only a cursory look, but finally one old gentleman appears to be much interested, and reads it through with great care, after which he pursues his way, evidently on the careful lookout for the missing article. This is just what our slick friend anticipated. He follows his victim, and in time accosts him, asking him whether he has lost a watch, and showing him a cheap affair which he pretends to have just picked up, and which is engraved and lettered as described, and apparently is the genuine lost article for which such a large reward has been offered. The old gentleman falls a ready victim, pretends it is his own property, pays a good round sum for it, and goes his way rejoicing, making sure that he will reap the $500.00 reward. "One of the finest," a city "cop" in brand new uniform, is next attracted by the announcement, and takes considerable interest in it, keeping a vigilant eye open for anything which may resemble the missing watch, and which our cunning friend pretends to find on our "copper's" beat and shows to him. The "copper" commends him for his honesty, and tells him that he will turn in the "find," intending, however, to collect the reward on his own account. This is not satisfactory, and it costs Mr. Policeman a substantial payment in money before he gets rid of the grafter, and goes off satisfied with the idea that he has the genuine watch and will have the spending of the $500.00. Two Hebrews next appear and become greatly excited on reading the opportunity which the reward notice seems to afford. Their eager search for the missing article is ludicrous in the extreme, and when they are finally accosted by the conspirator, who produces what they also believe to be the genuine lost article, they almost tear him in pieces in their eagerness to reward him for placing in their hands what they think will prove a snug fortune to them. Various other parties, including a swell Afro-American and his dusky belle, a gentleman of sporting proclivities, another, who, from his appearance, is a substantial capitalist and owner of a street-car franchise, become interested, and all may be victims of our foxy friend and give up more or less money in exchange for the worthless pinchbeck imitation watch, a number of which he has liberally supplied himself with. The conclusion of this graft story is a true exemplification of the old adage of the "biter bit." At the time and place named in the notice offering the reward the various victims appear, each one expecting to go home richer by $500.00 than he came. Alas for the uncertainty of human events. When they arrive they find only an empty stable decorated with a large sign on which is prominently displayed the word. "Sold," and after indulging in their anger each and every one goes home a sadder and wiser man. Written by Selig catalog See less
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Producer
William Nicholas Selig
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jan 26, 1907
Release date
Jan 26, 1907 (United States)

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