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The Money Lender
(1908) United States of America
B&W : 890 feet
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
The Vitagraph Company of America production; distributed by The Vitagraph Company of America. / © 3 March 1908 by The Vitagraph Company of America [H106922]. Released 21 March 1908. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [Views and Film Index, 21 March 1908, page ?] Our story opens with a view of the office of a “money lender,” where numerous clients are, some borrowing, some paying. Turning to a college building, a party of young men are seen coming down the steps. An auto drives up to the curb, the young men climb in and, with two young ladies, start on a pleasure trip, leaving behind one of their chums, who is “broke.” At this juncture a sporty chap accosts him, notices his look of despondency and, after learning the cause, hands the collegian a card and directs him to where he can secure all the money he wants. The young man reads the card, thinks of his friends autoing and resolves to visit the “Shylock.” He reaches the address, the Hebrew learns his name, consults a mercantile rating book and counts out a pile of bills, receiving the young man’s note in return. The student, flush with money, starts uptown and is passing a swell restaurant when the auto party (his chums) emerges, gay and hilarious. He is made one of the party and they drive away. At another cafe they stop and “George” orders a big dinner for all. The following morning our college friend is endeavoring to collect his scattered thoughts and clothes, when his valet enters with a note from a friend of the previous night asking for the payment of a large amount. He has absolutely no money and has no recourse but to again visit the money lender. This time the Hebrew is less effusive and rather disinclined to advance more cash, but finally does so after raising the rate of interest. With the money “George” proceeds to a club, meets his friends (?) and pays his debt. A quiet game is started and at first the young man wins, drinks considerable, then loses, finally goes broke. He is about to leave when the Jew enters and offers to loan him more money, which also goes. The next day the college boy, nervous and worried, is reflecting over his dilemma when the “Shylock” enters, produces a note payable on demand for $10,000. The unfortunate young man is dumbfounded, begs for more time. The Hebrew is obdurate and grants him but a single day’s grace. “George” hastily packs his grip and starts for home. Upon his arrival his parents greet him affectionately, but notice that there is a burden on his mind. When left alone, despondent and desperate by turns, a temptation to rob his father seizes him. He fights against it, but the thought of the merciless money grabber drives him on. He opens the money drawer, stuffs bills and gold into his pocket just as the mother enters, stops transfixed with horror; he turns around and sees her. She advances pityingly, asks for an explanation. The young man breaks down completely. The story is told, the father entering quietly and unobserved hears it, and at its close the young man vows never again to yield to such a temptation. Back to the young man’s city apartments; the father and son are talking earnestly when the Jew is announced. He enters, angrily demands payment. George begs for leniency, which is denied, and at last pays the money. At this moment the father, who had hidden behind a screen, confronts the avaricious “Shylock,” administers a sound whipping and forces him to return a good portion of the money. The young man fondly embraces his father and swears to Heaven that he will never gamble or borrow again.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 8 June 2024.
References: Slide-BigV p. 179 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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