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  • Out of the Dark (1912)
  • Short | Drama, Short
Out of the Dark (1912)
Short | Drama, Short
A young lawyer receives word from abroad that a package of jewels, valued at $20,000, which has figured in a law suit, has been shipped to him from Europe, to be held for a client. He meets the steamer, receives the valuables and starts ...See moreA young lawyer receives word from abroad that a package of jewels, valued at $20,000, which has figured in a law suit, has been shipped to him from Europe, to be held for a client. He meets the steamer, receives the valuables and starts with them to a bank, meaning to place them in the vaults. He has forgotten that it is Saturday, and a half holiday, and the result is that he discovers that he must keep the custody of the gems over Sunday. This does not worry him, for he has a safe in his own home, and he does not dream that any one knows of the treasure in his possession. The fact is, however, that the messenger has been trailed from Europe by a celebrated crook, who vainly seeks a chance to annex the valuables. He witnesses the transfer, and follows the lawyer, and is pleased to note that he takes the jewels home with him. Late that evening the lawyer receives a telephone message that his father, who lives many miles away, is seriously ill, and hurries off to see him. Until he reaches the house he does not realize that he has been tricked, and then he hastens home again, full of gloomy forebodings. In the meantime the lawyer's wife, who has gone to bed, suddenly awakens with a start. She imagines that someone is trying to get into the house, and, fearful for the security of the jewels, slips downstairs to investigate. The lower hallway is in darkness, except for a dim light from the street. The doors have glass panels, and as the woman watches, one of them falls inward, and a hand appears and feels cautiously for the knob. It is a lonely neighborhood, and the woman does not dare to call for help, her one impulse being to hide the jewels. She rushes into the room, hurriedly opens the safe, takes the packet and hides it in a crevice at the top of the mantel piece. As she turns to flee the burglar enters. There is a struggle and a scream, which fortunately brings help. The criminal is captured, but the shock has driven the woman mad. She remembers nothing; can tell nothing. It is clear to the police that the burglar has been successful, for there is the open safe and the jewels have vanished. Undoubtedly his pal escaped with the booty, they figure. The lawyer finds that he is held responsible for the loss of the gems, which cripples him financially. Besides he has no hope that his wife will ever regain her senses. Yet in the hour of his deepest despair, happiness re-enters his life. While looking over some papers in his safe one night he is called to the 'phone. His maniac wife watches him curiously, and a troubled frown comes over her face. Her perplexity deepens as he goes out, and she starts upstairs to bed. Some recollection is trying to find expression. Again she awakens with a start. Again she steals down stairs, and gazes with terror as the pane of glass is broken, and a hand is stealthily stretched through the opening. She remembers the jewels, and thinks that they must be protected. Gliding into the library, she opens the safe, takes out a package of papers and hides them where the other bundle is. Then as the lights are turned on, she falls fainting into her husband's arms, her mind and his honor restored. "It was the hand of Providence that caused me to forget my keys," the husband said later, "I had to break in the door, and the sight of my hand as shown in the moonlight, was what restored memory to my wife." Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Director
George Nichols
Cinematographer
Alfred Huger Moses Jr. (as A.H. Moses Jr.)
See all filmmakers & crew (4)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jul 2, 1912
Release date
Jul 2, 1912 (United States)

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