A Kind-Hearted Policeman (1908)

• 45%
• 1908
• Comedy

In this picture we see a man who is vested with authority to enforce the law, but, unlike the usual sort of men occupying the same position, he is so kind-hearted that ofttimes he is governed by his sentiments, and is very indiscreet in meting out just punishment to offenders, He is patrolling in the country, where lawbreakers are not numerous, but once in a while it will happen that somebody is guilty of an act that is not just in keeping with propriety. His first duty is to arrest a pair of lovers whom he catches kissing, but when he comes upon the love-sick couple, and threatens to arrest them, his heart is softened by their tears, so he allows them to go their way with some good advice. Next he discovers some poachers, and following one of their number, a woman, he examines the contents of her basket and discovers that she has some rabbits they trapped, so threatens to lock her up. But she, like all good women, uses her tears to advantage and when the officer sees her grief it is too much for him, and he gently dries her eyes with the corner of her apron and lets her go on her way. His next encounter is with an old woman and little girl, whom he finds stealing some fire wood. When he threatens them with the law the same thing occurs, a shower of tears, so he gives the old woman some money and with a kind word lets her go. Next he meets a tramp on the highway whom he proceeds to admonish, but at the same time gives the unfortunate the price of a meal. Finally he has an opportunity to show that he is of some value as an officer; for, as he is returning to the station, he comes upon a ruffian beating an old man. He quickly grabs the fellow and after desperate resistance, lands him in jail. Finally, we see him return to his home, where he sits down to enjoy a hearty meal with his happy family.