The story opens with the selfish man enjoying his after-dinner coffee and liquors. His liveried servant lights a cigar for him and, in fact, is nothing more than a slave; but even in ... See full summary
The Selfish Man (1908) Online
The story opens with the selfish man enjoying his after-dinner coffee and liquors. His liveried servant lights a cigar for him and, in fact, is nothing more than a slave; but even in anticipating every move and waiting, upon his master drudgingly, the servant is rewarded with nothing but abuse and harsh treatment. Taking his hat and coat the man of the house leaves, and we find him in the street standing in front of a bakery. A decrepit old man, scantily clad and benumbed with the intense cold, appeals to him for alms. The request is refused and the poor old man is pushed roughly away. The rich man has a dream which causes him to forsake his selfish ways and be kind and gentle to his fellow men. He calls in the servants, children and poor from the streets, and provides generously for them. The young lady who refused him because of his selfish character observes the change and accepts him as her future husband.
This film survives in an incomplete 'paper print' format that was deposited with the Library of Congress for copyright purposes. The paper print version is believed to be the only surviving record for this production, and this film otherwise considered to be lost.