The Man Within (1916)

• 71%
• 1916
• Western
• Tom Mix
• Tom Mix
• Victoria Forde
• Sid Jordan

Tom Melford, foreman of the Double O Ranch, has one weakness, that of strong drink. John Gatlin and his daughter, Vi, arrive at the Redwood Hotel, where it is a case of love at first sight between Tom and Gatlin's daughter. Gatlin purchases the Double O Ranch, and Tom continues as his ranch foreman. He also discovers Tom's secret fondness for whiskey. Tom and Vi marry and announce the news to Vi's father, who, infuriated, denounces Tom as a drunkard and drives them both away from the ranch. The home of Tom and Vi is blessed with a little daughter. Tom, one day, is summoned to Sonora to break wild horses, just as Loraine, the little one becomes ill. After his work, Tom is tempted to drink, visits the Golden Nugget saloon and indulges in a spree. Vi sends word to Tom that their little daughter is dying. The baby dies and Vi leaves her home. She returns to her father, but again he refuses her a home. Vi, now homeless, accepts the position of cook at the Golden Nugget saloon. There, the photograph of her dead child is taken from her and made sport of by the habitues of the place. Tom sobers up, returns home and finds a note from Vi telling him of the death of their child. He then and there vows never again to touch strong drink and goes forth in search of gold and becomes a better man. A renegade discovers Tom's gold mine, ties Tom to a tree, and flees to the claim agent's office. Tom shoots the rope tying him to the tree into two parts, makes his escape, overtakes the renegade and after a sensational battle, overpowers the man and registers his claim. In the meantime, Vi makes her escape from the place and is pursued by two ruffians. Tom sees the picture of his dead baby behind the bar, recovers it, mounts a horse and goes in search of his wife. He rescues her just in time.