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Scratched
(1916) United States of America
B&W : Two reels
Directed by Fred A. Kelsey
Cast: Earl Page (Earle Page) [Jimmy Austin], Ormi Hawley [Claire Brant], Jean Hersholt [Paul Brant]
Independent Moving Pictures Company, Incorporated [IMP] production; distributed by The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated. / Scenario by Douglas Bronston. / © 1 December 1916 by The Universal Film Manufacturing Company, Incorporated. Released 15 December 1916. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Jimmy Austin, a race tipster, is devoted to his sister, but despite her efforts to reform him, he persists in gaining a livelihood by questionable methods. One day he meets Paul Brant, a bank messenger, to whom be gives some tips on the races. Paul makes his first bet and lands a winner. Thus encouraged he feels that Jimmy is in a position to put him in the way of making a fortune. Later, Jimmy gives him another tip on a certain horse, and Paul decides to use some of the money which he is carrying from the bank. Not understanding the language of the turf, he thinks that the horse has lost when it is reported “scratched.” He obtains a gun and is on the point of killing himself, when Jimmy enters the room with the money. The bullet is deflected but causes a slight wound. With the smoking gun in his hand, Jimmy rushes out to get aid and bumps into a policeman, who promptly takes him into custody. Jimmy is searched, the money found, and he is dragged off to jail. The next day Paul tells the officers that he does not remember what happened and so Jimmy is sent up for a number of years. During the years that follow, Paul wishing to make some restitution for his craven act, befriends Claire. Later they marry and are very happy. Jimmy, who does not know of the marriage, is forgotten. Released from prison, Jimmy plans revenge. He seeks out Paul, but realizing that his sister is happy and that he, himself, is in a way responsible for all that has happened, be leaves without revealing himself.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 24 June 2023.
References: Spehr-American p. 273 : Website-IMDb.
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