Father's Timepiece (1914)

• 66%
• 1914
• Lee Beggs
• Billy Quirk
• Constance Talmadge
• Lee Beggs

Through the carelessness of his office-boy, Stillwell, a typical old grouch, drops his watch and puts a dent in the case. He arrives home in a rage to find his daughter Marjorie talking to Reggie, her lover, whom he detests. Stillwell roars out, "I don't want to see you with that penniless cub again. Understand?" His daughter tearfully leaves the room, while Reggie also decides that it is no place for him. Later, at a street crossing, Stillwell is knocked down by an auto and helped to his feet by "Slippery Jim," a pickpocket, who, at the same time relieves the old gentleman of his watch. Pete, a hobo, also runs to Stlllwell's assistance, and is accused of taking the watch. He is arrested and locked up. Reggie, looking to secure a cheap watch, visits the pawnshop where "Slippery Jim" had sold the dented timepiece, and purchases it. At Stlllwell's office later, the latter recognizes it and has Reggie arrested. The pawnbroker, at court, refuses to identify either Reggie or the watch and the poor fellow is locked up, Pete being discharged. Pete later sees "Slippery Jim"' and recognizes him both as a crook and as the man who helped Stillwell to his feet. He follows him, sees the rascal get rid of some stolen goods and causes his arrest. The police recognize Jim as an old offender and in the presence of Stillwell, his daughter and Pete, Jim confesses. Reggie is released with apologies and angrily tells Stillwell. If it were not for Marjorie he would bring action against him for false arrest. To square himself, the old fellow consents to accept Reggie as his son-in-law.