The Chief of Police (1914)

• 83%
• 1914
• Crime
• Drama
• George Melford
• Douglas Gerrard
• Marin Sais
• Edward Clisbee

Discovering a man burglarizing the safe in his library, Franklin captures him by a clever ruse. Shrewdly sizing the thief up as a novice in crime, the captor suggests that the burglar relate the circumstances which drove him to burglary. Breaking down, Keenan, the burglar, consents. According to his story, he had been sent to prison, although innocent, on the charge of robbing his employer. After spending four years in prison, the real culprit was discovered and Keenan secured his release. Continuing, the man tells of how he found his wife and child in dire poverty. Applying for his old position, he was informed that his prison term made him undesirable as an employee. Keenan then tried to secure other jobs, but detectives invariably traced him and by informing his employers that he was an ex-convict, caused his discharge. Driven to desperation by want, Keenan determined to prey upon society. His effort to burglarize Franklin's home was his first attempt at crime. Franklin regards Keenan with a peculiar smile when the man finishes his story. Despite the thief's pleas, his captor summons the police and has Keenan taken away. The following morning, Keenan is taken before the chief of police, and finds himself confronting Franklin. Dazed by the discovery, Keenan hears the chief declare that an investigation has proved his story to be true. Continuing, Franklin declares he has long sought for a private secretary who could be of aid to him in his sociological work. Believing his prison experience has well fitted him for the position, the chief of police offers it to Keenan. Filled with happiness, the ex-convict accepts.