- The townspeople of Purity despise Martin Bradley because of his heavy drinking, but he still does his best to make life better for the town. He helps to support two women who have been socially ostracized by the townspeople, and during the election campaign for mayor, exposes the corruption and dirty tricks of candidate James Durkel, resulting in the election of his opponent Chester Thorndyke. However, the voters of Purity insist that Thorndyake disavow his ties to Bradley, whom they regard as disreputable.—frankfob2@yahoo.com
- Matters are at sixes and sevens in the little town of Purity. The Mayor, James Durkel, is unworthy of his trust; Lem Harding and Scudder Coleman cannot agree as to the boundary lines of their property. Lawyer Bradley is considered one of the worst offenders. He is fond of the whiskey bottle, and has taken as his housekeeper a woman who has no moral status. His kind heart causes him to harbor Madge Morrow, a stranger who cannot obtain employment in the town because no one knows her antecedents. Hugh Thorndyke, a distiller, returns to Purity with his two sons, Rodney and Chester, and young daughter, Dulcie. Bradley, as town recorder, welcomes them, but is repulsed by the father. Dulcie and Chester make friends with him, however, and his influence changes Dulcie from a snobbish girl to a sweet young woman, Chester imitates his drinking habit, and is ordered away from home. He has fallen in love with Madge, and Bradley marries them, thinking to reinstate Chester in his own family. They go to break the news to the Thorndykes, and find that Rodney has been nominated for mayor. Fearing that Chester's marriage to the unknown girl will ruin Rodney's chances, it is agreed that the marriage be kept a secret for the present, and later it is annulled. The election fight is bitterly waged. Rodney makes a good impression on the people, and Durkel's chances grow less. A stranger, H. Spencer Seaton. comes to Purity ostensibly to collect money for war sufferers. He recognizes Madge, with whom he has had a flirtation in college, and offers to give Durkel information which will lose the election for Rodney. Bradley checkmates him by means of papers which prove Durkel's unfitness to continue in office. Bradley leaves the papers with Chester, intending that Rodney shall think he owes his election to his brother. Seaton arranges for Madge to meet him that night at the mill, telling her he will return an old photograph. Thinking to compromise her, he arranges for Durkel to come at the same time with the money. Bradley follows. Madge and Seaton struggle, and Bradley breaks in just as Madge escapes with the photograph. Durkel arrives, and there is a fight between the three men. Seaton escapes with the money, and Bradley forces Durkel to leave town. Meeting Rodney on her way home, Madge tells him all about her experience. Each has become more and more appreciative of the other's noble qualities, and when Rodney proposes that they marry and go away she accepts and they take Dulcie with them. Bradley sends Chester to the meeting at the Town Hall. He throws a note inside suggesting that as Chester has discovered and laid before the people the duplicity of Durkel he be elected mayor. Rodney having withdrawn and Durkel being missing. The office is tendered to Chester on condition that he give up Bradley, whom they call his evil associate, but mindful of all Bradley has done for the Thorndyke family, he refuses the office. Bradley empties his whiskey flask and gives it to a small boy to fill with bait. He hangs up his sign and continues his law practice in the little town of which he is the unrecognized guardian angel, his wildest amusement now being to sit beside his small chum waiting for the fish to bite.—Moving Picture World synopsis
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