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The Paymaster’s Son
(1913) United States of America
B&W : Two reels
Directed by Francis Ford
Cast: Robert Edeson [John Burton, the paymaster’s son], Charles K. French [Silas Burton, the paymaster], Robert Stanton [Richard Randall, the colonel’s son], Anna Little (Ann Little) [Ethel Burton, the Paymaster’s daughter], J. Barney Sherry [Colonel Randall], Robert Gray (R. Henry Grey) [Ethel’s sweetheart], Charles Edler, Nick Cogley
New York Motion Picture Company production; distributed by Mutual Film Corporation [Kay-Bee]. / Produced by Thomas H. Ince. Scenario by C. Gardner Sullivan. / Released 10 January 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Silas Burton, the paymaster, has a son, John, who is a lieutenant, and a daughter, Ethel. Colonel Randall has a son, Richard. Richard is a wild youth, but has won Ethel’s heart. For his escapades his father sends him back to college, but he drops from the stagecoach and hides until nightfall, when he comes and persuades Ethel to elope with him. The coach goes on and is attacked by Indians, the occupants being killed. To secure funds Richard enters the paymaster’s quarters. Lieut. Burton awakens and captures the intruder. Amazed, he drops his revolver and chides Richard, who takes advantage of the opportunity to cover Burton with his gun and disarm him. The paymaster hears the noise and comes toward the room. Richard warns Burton that if he discloses the truth to his father he will shoot him, and steps behind the portieres into the other room. The paymaster asks John for an explanation of his presence, and to account for his stolen money, but John dare not answer knowing that Richard has a revolver pointed at him behind the curtain. The paymaster believes his son a thief and disowns him. Richard stealthily makes his exit and joins Ethel, and the two depart. In the morning they join a train of emigrants. John Burton’s story to his father is not believed. Scouts find the bodies of the dead passengers in the coach, and bring back Richard’s discarded coat, which is considered as evidence that Richard has either been killed or captured by the Indians. Lieut. Burton joins the emigrants and an exciting encounter takes place between him and Richard, interrupted by the sudden attack of the redskins. Burton takes charge of the defense, and Richard deserts and runs away. Knowing that the emigrants cannot hold out Burton leaps on a horse and breaks through the Indian lines in an effort to reach the fort and secure assistance. He catches up with Richard who believes Burton is pursuing him, and who shoots Burton’s horse from under him. Burton fires from the ground, bringing down Richard. The two are then attacked by Indians, and Burton drags Richard to a position behind a big rock, and stands off the foe until help arrives. In the thrilling battle the soldiers drive away the Indians, and carry Richard and Lieut. Burton back to the post. Thoroughly ashamed of himself, Richard makes a complete confession to his father, exonerating Burton.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 29 March 2020.
References: ClasIm-224 p. 42 : Website-IMDb.
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