A laboring man returns to the wretched attic room that shelters himself and his sick wife after a fruitless search for any work that will save them from starvation. The sick wife's pitiful ... See full summary
The Purse (1909) Online
A laboring man returns to the wretched attic room that shelters himself and his sick wife after a fruitless search for any work that will save them from starvation. The sick wife's pitiful pleadings for food drive the despairing husband to resolve that he will get money regardless of the means. We see the poor fellow begging from a well-to-do gentleman and his richly clad wife in front of their mansion. The rich man refuses the poor laborer's plea, and the latter, hardened by despair, snatches the silver purse from the hand of the lady and runs away with it, pursued by the rich man and a policeman. A thrilling man hunt follows. The laborer jumps over a fence and thinking he is safe he goes into a grocery store and buys some food, wine, and firewood. As he comes out full of the happy thought that he can bring food and warmth to his suffering wife, the policeman seizes him. A struggle, short but exciting, follows. The laborer knocks the policeman down and escapes. The laborer enters his...
Released as a split reel along with Almost a Suicide (1909).