The Mission Waif's primary photo
  • The Mission Waif (1911)
  • Short | Short, Western
The Mission Waif (1911)
Short | Short, Western
In the days when Indian uprisings in the west were common, there took place a massacre near an old California Mission, in which all were killed save a tiny girl, who slept safely in her dead mother's arms. Mission Fathers, on their way to ...See moreIn the days when Indian uprisings in the west were common, there took place a massacre near an old California Mission, in which all were killed save a tiny girl, who slept safely in her dead mother's arms. Mission Fathers, on their way to vespers, heard the child's cries, rescued it and adopted it. For seventeen years she waited upon the aged fathers faithfully, at the end of which period, a tragedy occurred that broadened her life considerably. Captain Courtesy, a bandit, had held up some cowboys, who when free, gathered a posse and followed him. The captain held them all at bay, and by a clever ruse, escaped and sought refuge in the Mission. The Mission fathers received him graciously, and the girl admiringly. He hid his identity, and soon became a favorite at the Mission, especially with Mary, the one-time waif. It was her first love. One day, while walking, Mary read a sign, offering a reward for the person dead or alive, of Captain Courtesy, distinguishable by a crescent-shaped scar on his forehead. She took no notice at the time, but upon arriving at the Mission, Courtesy declared his love to the girl, and she, in response, placed her hands upon his head to imprint a kiss. Her fingers slightly disarranged the hair, and there was exposed to view the crescent-shaped scar. The truth of the situation came to her and she ordered Courtesy from the room, but by no means dispelling the affection from her heart. Courtesy had not proceeded far when he discovered another and still greater Indian uprising than had caused the extermination of Mary's family. His first thought was of the Mission and the girl it harbored. He reached the old structure just in time to warn Mary and the fathers, who escaped into an underground passage. Courtesy remained to defend the Mission. From the subterranean passage Mary gained access to a camp of cowboys and called them to action. After a fierce conflict, the Indians were put to rout. Mary and the fathers emerge from the cellar and begin the search for Courtesy. He had been killed defending the girl he loved. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Gaston Méliès
Producer
Gaston Méliès
See all filmmakers & crew (1)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Sep 28, 1911
Release date
Sep 28, 1911 (United States)

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3 cast members
Name Known for
William Clifford's primary photo
William Clifford
Captain Courtesy - the Bandit Captain Courtesy - the Bandit   See fewer
The Hidden Law (1916)
Mildred Bracken's primary photo
Mildred Bracken
Mary - the Mission Waif Mary - the Mission Waif   See fewer
The Prisoner's Story (1912)
Francis Ford's primary photo
Francis Ford
The Mission Father The Mission Father   See fewer
The Purple Mask (1916)
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