Three Black Bags (1913)

• 70%
• 1913
• Comedy
• Frederick A. Thomson
• John Bunny
• Flora Finch
• Rose Tapley

"Slick-Fingered Mag must he captured, or I will know the reason why!" These are the proud words of Detective Brown, as he prepares to go in search of the elusive "Mag." He packs his traveling bag and leaves it open upon the sofa in his room; then goes downstairs to eat his breakfast. "Slick-Fingered Mag," seeing the front door of Brown's home ajar, enters and makes a sneak upstairs. She carries a bag of the same character as Brown's. She gathers up all the valuables she finds handy, not overlooking some of Mrs. Brown's choicest jewels. Hearing sounds of approaching footsteps, she becomes excited and empties the "swag" into Brown's bag, supposing it to he her own, and with it, escapes from the house, leaving her own bag behind her. Mrs. Brown, placing some clean linen in her husband's grip, sees the female apparel. She comes to the conclusion that he is about to elope. Brown dramatically bids his wife goodbye. She follows him to the Railroad Depot, where he meets "Mag." She takes a seat on the settee next to a very giddy and restless spinster, who carries a bag of the same make as "Mag's." When Mag gets up, she takes the spinster's bag in mistake. The maiden lady immediately demands her bag back and "Mag," just as persistently, refuses. Detective Brown suggests that each one describe the contents of the bags and then open them. They do so and the mistake is discovered. "Mag" becomes quite familiar and flirtations with Brown, and in showing the contents of her bag, exhibits a jewel case, containing his wife's jewelry. At this juncture Mrs. Brown arrives on the scene. He tells his wife that the woman is "Slick-Fingered Mag." Showing his badge, he arrests and proudly marches off with "Mag" to the police headquarters. The spinster, who has a strong sense of the ludicrous, grasps the humor of the situation and almost laughs herself into convulsions.