Child Labor - Production & Contact Info

Child Labor (1913)
Short | 11 min | Drama, Short

Child Labor (1913)

Short | 11 min | Drama, Short

John Morgan is a rich factory owner with one child, 5-year-old Grace. At the factor, Morgan decides that his payroll is too big, so after talking over the matter with his foreman he gives out the edict that all his men are to be laid off. ...See moreJohn Morgan is a rich factory owner with one child, 5-year-old Grace. At the factor, Morgan decides that his payroll is too big, so after talking over the matter with his foreman he gives out the edict that all his men are to be laid off. The next day a big sign is pasted on the factory gates, stating that little girls are wanted to make artificial flowers. Many children apply and the little daughters of the old workmen are forced to do their fathers' work in the big factory. James Martin, a kind father, tries to get other employment, but finds it useless. When he thinks of taking his little ones away from school his heart is almost broken. But finally they, too, must join the little army at the factory gates. One day, Grace visits the factory and Billie, the office boy, takes her through the works. She sees the sufferings of the little ones and realizes the truth. She helps a little girl with her tasks and bathes the forehead of a fainting child. Her father comes in and sees this and is very angry. He sends her home. The nest week he receives a large order and compels the children to work overtime in order to get it out on time. While the little ones are slaving for their bare existence, Grace falls ill. In her delirium she sees always before her the wasted faces of the little toilers in her father's factory. She pleads with him to set them free, and finally her little voice has the desired effect. To please her he sends word to the foreman that the children are to be dismissed, and the old hands taken back. There was great joy throughout the factory that day. The children go to see Grace when she gets better. James Martin sees his children start back to school and he returns to his old place in the factory joyfully. Later Morgan opens a kindergarten for the younger ones. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less