The Black Sheep; or, the Fight for an Inheritance's primary photo
  • The Black Sheep; or, the Fight for an Inheritance (1913)
  • Short | 31 min | Short, Adventure, Drama
The Black Sheep; or, the Fight for an Inheritance (1913)
Short | 31 min | Short, Adventure, Drama
Having gambled away almost his last penny, Edward returns home in a drunken condition. His wife has fallen asleep. Shamefacedly, he looks upon the homely picture which he forsakes nightly for his vicious haunts. A letter attracts his ...See moreHaving gambled away almost his last penny, Edward returns home in a drunken condition. His wife has fallen asleep. Shamefacedly, he looks upon the homely picture which he forsakes nightly for his vicious haunts. A letter attracts his attention. It is from his Aunt Wilson. She writes that she will no longer supply him with money, and declines to receive him. We next see the wretch breaking into his uncle's office. He forces the safe open. Mrs. Wilson catches him in the act, but she promises silence on the understanding that he goes abroad and redeems his lost character. She then invites Jeannie and her dumb brother, Tom, to share her home during Edward's exile. Edward goes to Colorado, and one day, his partner having discovered a vein of gold in his claim, he tries to strangle him. During the struggle, he leaves a locket containing Jeannie's portrait in his victim's clenched hands. The villain succeeds in wounding all his pursuers, and escapes. Later, Mrs. Wilson entertains her staff. It is her birthday, and there is much rejoicing. The poor and unfortunate are not forgotten. Hunted down in America, Edward seeks refuge in his own country and plans a fresh crime. He arrives on his aunt's birthday, and slips in among the guests. Jeannie recognizes her husband, and, moved with compassion, she gives him the key of the park. "Come tonight. I shall have a light in my window," she says. When all is still and quiet, he creeps into the villa. After partaking of a cold supper prepared for him by his wife, he manages to pour a narcotic into her glass. He thus gets rid of an embarrassing witness, and proceeds to take possession of the will which disinherits him. Suddenly a cry breaks the silence of the night. Tom, awakened, hastens to Mrs. Wilson's door. It resists his efforts; he lets himself down on the terrace, and, after a struggle with Edward, he gives the alarm by ringing the bell of the works, and the employees come flocking together. In the struggle with Tom, Edward leaves the weapon in his hands, and manages to escape. Mrs. Wilson, mortally wounded, staggers to her door and points to Tom. He is arrested. Next day, Edward presents himself at the villa as if he had just arrived from a journey. His wife threatens to denounce him, but he is cynically impervious, knowing that she still loves him. The eventful day of the Assizes comes. A witness recalls the tragic scene. The unfortunate man's defense is based mainly on his affliction. He knows he is innocent of the crime, and he is sure of acquittal. Jeannie, however, questions a young advocate, and is horrified to hear his verdict: "I am afraid, madam, that, notwithstanding the extenuating circumstances, the verdict in this case will be capital punishment." She dramatically cries out: "Stop, stop, gentlemen of the jury, that man is innocent. Mercy!" This causes considerable emotion in the court, and the case is adjourned until the next day. In the confusion. Edward removes his fainting wife. The terrible shock has turned her brain, and she is utterly prostrated. Edward, reassured by her helplessness, returns to the gambling den and to his vicious associates. The servants, to whose care Jeannie is confided, discuss the latest news in the paper. Jeannie catches the drift of the conversation, and she is aroused to action. She reads the paper, and understands that the defending counsel's talent will probably be unavailing and fail to save the life of the accused. She rushes to the Attorney General's house and is shown into his office. He is astounded at her communication, especially when he sees the locket containing Jeannie's portrait sent from the public prosecutor's office at Havre, with the report of a crime committed the year before in Colorado. Tom is brought in, and by gesture goes through the tragic scene. The spectators understand he could identify the miscreant. Just then, Edward rushes in. Tom, his eyes dilated with horror, points to him. Edward is confronted with the locket, and, seeing there is no hope, he ends his life by jumping out of the window. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Emile Chautard (as Émile Chautard)
See all filmmakers & crew (1)
Trending

Become a member to see MOVIEmeter and news information about Autour d'un testament.
Status
Edit Released
Updated May 9, 1913
Release date
Aug 1913 (United States)

Contacts

+ Add

Become a member to see contact information for Autour d'un testament.

Cast

 + Add Cast
7 cast members
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.
There was an issue loading this tab.

MOVIEmeter

Members only

Become a member to access additional data

Ratings Breakdown

+ Add external reviews