The Broken Brake (1916)

• 84%
• 1916
• Thriller
• J. Gunnis Davis
• Helen Gibson
• George A. Williams
• George Routh

In a scuffle between the assistant foreman and a discharged employee at the mountain construction camp the latter's revolver is fired, bringing about a dynamite explosion that severely injures many of the men. The crude medical aid of the camp will not suffice so the foreman and his assistant determine on the dangerous expedient of loading the men on a freight car and coasting down the grade to the Lone Point station. After word is sent ahead to Helen to secure surgeons from headquarters the start is made. When the car is hurtling along at great speed the foreman and assistant suddenly discover that the brakes will not work. The assistant leaps to the ground, and though badly hurt, succeeds in getting word ahead by tapping a wire. With the special bearing the medical staff rushing towards the station Helen's bravery and quick wit are put to a stern test in averting almost certain disaster. An audacious leap from horseback to a freight train and back again, and the manipulation of flying switches that shows the trains missing collision by a matter of inches form the thrilling climax of this "Hazard.