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  • The Marriage Wager (1914)
  • Short | Short, Drama
The Marriage Wager (1914)
Short | Short, Drama
Brothers Jacques and Pierre Roques are sworn enemies after a bitter quarrel over the distribution of the family will. Pierre, fearing death at Jacques' hands, flees to America and settles in a lonely mansion with his daughter Beth. His ...See moreBrothers Jacques and Pierre Roques are sworn enemies after a bitter quarrel over the distribution of the family will. Pierre, fearing death at Jacques' hands, flees to America and settles in a lonely mansion with his daughter Beth. His wealth is secreted in the cellar and guarded by a huge automatic portcullis arrangement. Henry Leeds, a wild young bachelor utterly opposed to marriage, is bantered unmercifully by fellow clubmen until he signs an agreement to get married within twenty-four hours. Next morning he awakens, sober, and realizes what he had done the night before. Hurriedly he summons his chauffeur and starts for a ride in the country. At the same hour, Jacques has located the mansion of his brother. He enters it secretly, determined to secure what he considers his share to the wealth. Pierre's faithful old butler attempts to stop Jacques. The latter stuns him, ties him to a chair and proceeds on his way to the cellar. He had previously imprisoned Beth in her bedroom. Henry, passing in his car, receives a note from Beth calling for help. He picks up the note, which has been placed in a slipper and thrown into his auto, and hurries to her assistance. He enters the house, releases her and then turns his attention to reviving the badly wounded butler. Beth, fearing for her father's safety, rushes down into the narrow stone passageway to the treasure chamber. She finds Pierre and Jacques in fearful combat. When she tries to interfere Jacques flings her into the treasure vault and locks the heavy iron door. The two brothers struggle on. Pierre is overcome by Jacques, who plans to carry out fiendish revenge. He ties Pierre securely under the death-dealing portcullis and presses a button which starts the heavy iron bars to descend slowly towards the helpless victim. Henry, fearing for Beth's safety, has descended into the passageway in time to be intercepted by the crazed Jacques. Henry realizes he must reach Pierre in a few seconds if his life is to be saved. While Beth is slowly suffocating in the vault and while the portcullis slowly descends upon Pierre. Henry and Jacques fight desperately. Henry kills him and reaches Pierre just in time to rescue him. He liberates Beth from the vault and hastens to revive father and daughter. With the realization that he has gained Beth's gratitude he remembers his wager, proposes to her, and telephones to the club that he has won. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Writer
Shannon Fife (scenario)
Producer
Siegmund Lubin
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Nov 18, 1914
Release date
Nov 18, 1914 (United States)

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