The Reckoning's primary photo
  • The Reckoning (1909)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Reckoning
The Reckoning (1909)
Short | Short, Drama
The opening scene of the drama reveals the interior of the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who are holding a reception for their many friends. Mr. Martin, the young husband, has heart trouble and is therefore somewhat of an invalid ...See moreThe opening scene of the drama reveals the interior of the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Martin, who are holding a reception for their many friends. Mr. Martin, the young husband, has heart trouble and is therefore somewhat of an invalid and unable to go about to any extent with his pleasure-loving wife. The latter, nevertheless, manages to enjoy herself and does not lack admirers. One of her male acquaintances in particular has made quite an impression on the vain little woman with his many attentions and complimentary speeches and we see him there to-night among the other guests at the Martins' home. All at once the young husband becomes indisposed, and not wishing to disturb his friends, retires to a secluded spot and endeavors to conquer his weakness. He partakes of some refreshments and tries to smoke a cigar, hoping to ward off the attack, but his efforts are in vain and he soon collapses and falls heavily to the floor. A servant passing through the room sees the master of the house as he lies there helpless and, becoming terrified, gives the alarm. Soon all the guests rush into the room and when they see the condition of affairs they hurriedly take their departure, leaving the young wife and her admirer alone with the apparently lifeless body of their host. The youth pours words of sympathy into his companion's ear and in a few minutes we see them in a tender embrace, evidently relieved that there is now no obstacle to their union. At this juncture Martin regains consciousness and takes in the situation at a glance, but is too weak to give any sign. The lovers are so taken up with each other that they have not noticed that the man has come to. Mrs. Martin now leaves the room to change her gown and her companion remains to watch. He covers the face of the still figure beside him with a handkerchief and then turning in his chair, so as to avoid the gruesome sight, settles himself to read. Presently the sick man summons his strength and, seeing his rival seated near, he tries in vain to arise, but is unable. Convulsively he drags himself from his position and crawls like a fiend across the room to the spot where his false guest is seated, reading. Although his body is drooped with pain and shuddering with horror, the enraged man manages to stand on his feet, then, without warning, he seizes his rival round the throat with a grip of steel and strangles him to death. The deed accomplished, he throws himself exhausted into the chair which but a moment ago his victim occupied. Presently the wife enters the room, and thinking that it is her lover still seated there, she comes toward him with open arms, but great is her horror when she discovers that it is her husband, who jumps to his feet, and seizing the terrified woman, forces her to press her lips to the distorted face of her dead lover. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Edit Released
Updated Jun 16, 1909
Release date
Jun 16, 1909 (United States)

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1 cast member
Name Known for
Henry Krauss's primary photo
Henry Krauss
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The Three Masks (1921)
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