When Might Is Right's primary photo
  • When Might Is Right (1916)
  • Short | 30 min | Short
Primary photo for When Might Is Right
When Might Is Right (1916)
Short | 30 min | Short
Thomas Durkeen, president of the Commonwealth Steel Car Company, rules over the wage earners while his daughter, Elsie, is a friend of the working class. Durkeen receives a telegram stating that Jack Crawford, representative of the workers...See moreThomas Durkeen, president of the Commonwealth Steel Car Company, rules over the wage earners while his daughter, Elsie, is a friend of the working class. Durkeen receives a telegram stating that Jack Crawford, representative of the workers, is to arrive in the city to plead their case and is worried over the result. Durkeen refuses to see Rev. Townsend who is soliciting funds for the foreign mission and learns later from his friend, Congressman Bradley, that Townsend is an impostor. A book is handed to Durkeen by his secretary suggesting the use of religion to hold in check the workers. Crawford arrives in time to save Elsie's chauffeur from an angry mob of tenement women, who are intent on mobbing him for accidentally running down a little child who was playing in the street. Crawford is unable to hold the crowd in check and Townsend happens along and respecting his garb the crowd disperse. Crawford receives an anonymous letter, written by Ruskin, telling of Durkeen's intention of using religion. Crawford remembers seeing a certain book on Durkeen's desk and purchases a copy. In reading it he convinces himself that Durkeen's plan will fail. Townsend is engaged by Durkeen to go to the mill town in the guise of an evangelist to try to turn the people against Crawford. The injured child proves the excuse for a number of meetings between Elsie and Crawford, and before his departure a strong bond of affection has grown between them. Crawford is elected to the legislature where he introduces a minimum wage bill. Ruskin has a quarrel with Durkeen and vows vengeance. Crawford's bill is defeated by Durkeen's "lobby" and the men strike. Durkeen asks Elsie to accompany him to Commonwealth and see her symbol of Justice crushed, meaning Crawford. Elsie accepts the offer to prove to Durkeen that she is confident of Crawford's ultimate success. Upon his arrival. Durkeen instructs his thugs who immediately proceed to murder both men and women. Ruskin arrives in Commonwealth with a clergyman who exposes Townsend, who flees for his life, seeking refuge in Durkeen's house in Commonwealth. The strikers turn on Durkeen's thugs and beat them up. Crawford learns of the riots and arrives in time to hold in check a mob who are intent on breaking into Durkeen's house. Crawford obtains their consent to a three minute respite, during which time he proves to Durkeen by turning the page of the book, that his defeat is imminent. Elsie enters the room, and Crawford being unaware of her presence in the house, is brought to a choice between love and duty, which Elsie decides to him, by threatening to give herself up to the mob, unless her father signs a paper admitting his dishonesty. Durkeen signs the paper, but on hearing a moment later that the militia has arrived, he regrets his action, and grabbing a revolver he tries to kill Crawford. Townsend raises a chair to deal Crawford a blow, but is stopped by Elsie, who trips him, causing him to fall. The time having expired the mob breaks in, led by Raskin who carries a revolver and fires, killing Durkeen. The militia arrives and arrest Ruskin. Elsie grieved over her father's death, finds solace in Crawford's love. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Henry King
Producers
E.D. Horkheimer | H.M. Horkheimer
See all filmmakers & crew (3)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Apr 21, 1916
Release date
Apr 21, 1916 (United States)

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3 cast members
Name Known for
Henry King's primary photo
Henry King
Jack Crawford Jack Crawford   See fewer
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Marguerite Nichols's primary photo
Marguerite Nichols
Elsie Durkeen Elsie Durkeen   See fewer
Dust (1916)
Daniel Gilfether's primary photo
Daniel Gilfether
Thomas Durkeen (unconfirmed) Thomas Durkeen (unconfirmed)   See fewer
The Love Liar (1915)
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