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Seven Bars of Gold
(1912) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by [?] Gaston Méliès and/or Robert Goodman?
Cast: William Clifford [Joe], Mildred Bracken [Nell], Francis Ford [Manuel], Anne Nichols [Nell’s mother], Henry Stanley [the sheriff]
G. Méliès production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by Gaston Méliès. / Released 7 March 1912. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Western.
Synopsis: [From Méliès promotional materials] Manuel has seven bars of gold to be delivered to Joe, the station agent. With Nell’s mother, he plots to steal one, and although Nell loves Joe, she is forced into the plot to put the blame on him. Manuel dselivers the seven bars to Joe, when Nell’s scream is heard. Joe runs to her rescue and Manuel hies one of the bars. Manuel later demands a receipt. Joe refuses. The sheriff is called. The evidence against Joe is so strong that he is arrested. Then to the amazement of all Nell reveals the hiding place, accuses the real culprit, and Manuel is held for the theft. // [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Manuel, the sly miner, has seven bars of gold tied to the backs of his donkeys for delivery to the railroad agent. The problem in his mind is how to steal a part of the gold without any likelihood of arrest. At the town drinking place be meets Nell and her mother and confides to the latter his scheme, which is to use Nell. Nell, much against her will, is forced by her mother to become a party to the infamous plot against Joe, the station agent, whom she really loves. Manuel delivers the gold to Joe, carefully counts seven bars and gets Joe’s receipt for that number. A scream is heard, Nell’s, planned to come at that time to divert Joe’s attention. Joe recognizes her voice and rushes out to save her from the faked-up attack. Manuel hastily seizes a bar of gold and shoves it through a little hole in the roof where he can get it later. Joe returns and discovers the loss. Manuel rides for the sheriff. Joe telegraphs the next station for help and the division inspector and his squad hasten on a hand-car. Sheriff and inspector arrive at the same time and an impromptu court is held. The receipt is shown and things look bad for Joe, when a noise is heard on the roof. Nell, repenting of her deed, has located the bar and means to save Joe. She accuses Manuel of the theft and his actions are sufficient proof that he is the real culprit. The sheriff takes Manuel and bids all the others depart, winking significantly at Joe and Nell.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Gold
Listing updated: 23 May 2024.
References: Thompson-Star p. 231 : ClasIm-226 p. 55 : Website-IMDb.
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