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  • The Means and the End (1914)
  • Short | Short, Drama
The Means and the End (1914)
Short | Short, Drama

William D. Hildebrand, a trust magnate and capitalist, though not naturally a tyrant, has been so engrossed in his schemes to make money and build up great enterprise that he oppresses the people. Vincent Archer, a sociological worker, ...See moreWilliam D. Hildebrand, a trust magnate and capitalist, though not naturally a tyrant, has been so engrossed in his schemes to make money and build up great enterprise that he oppresses the people. Vincent Archer, a sociological worker, learns from his uncle on his deathbed that he and Hildebrand were responsible for the death of a man. He uses this means to gain his end in building a model tenement house district for the poor. He forces Hildebrand, on the threat of exposure, to give the money while he and his secretary put the schemes through. Hildebrand's daughter, Helene, becomes intensely interested in the work and finally falls in love with Archer. Hildebrand himself, after he has got into the enterprise, becomes interested and experiences a change of heart. But another man knows of the slaying, a Jim Parker of the underworld. He threatens to expose Hildebrand. Archer goes to Parker and, while he is recovering from a spree, takes the evidence away from him and burns it up. Parker goes to his office and almost kills Archer in a terrific battle. Helene takes Archer flowers while he is recovering and visits him frequently. While he is in love with her, yet he does not propose, because their stations in life are so far apart. Archer comes to the conclusion that he was not justified in forcing money from Hildebrand, even for a good cause. He writes him to this effect and says that he is going to leave the city. But Helene, hearing that he is going away, goes to him and asks him frankly if he does not care for her. This breaks down the barrier and he tells her he loves her more than anything else in life. Hildebrand then tells Archer the circumstances of the killing, which was in self-defense. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Nov 20, 1914

Release date
Nov 20, 1914 (United States)

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Cast

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4 cast members
Name Known for
Rapley Holmes
William Hildebrand William Hildebrand   See fewer
Gerda Holmes
Helene Hildebrand - William's Daughter Helene Hildebrand - William's Daughter   See fewer
Richard Travers
Vincent Archer Vincent Archer   See fewer
Lester Cuneo
Jim Parker Jim Parker   See fewer
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