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  • The Fourth Witness (1917)
  • Short | Short, Drama, Mystery
The Fourth Witness (1917)
Short | Short, Drama, Mystery

As just compensation for a dissolute life, William Bryant is a hopeless cripple, refusing to be nursed by anyone but his wife Margaret, and endeavoring to make her as miserable as possible by his taunts and sneers. Dr. Cameron, Bryant's ...See moreAs just compensation for a dissolute life, William Bryant is a hopeless cripple, refusing to be nursed by anyone but his wife Margaret, and endeavoring to make her as miserable as possible by his taunts and sneers. Dr. Cameron, Bryant's physician, arrives at his patient's home one evening, just in time to intercept a blow which Bryant has directed at Margaret. The men struggle and Bryant is thrown upon the bed unconscious. The doctor makes an examination and assures the wife that her husband is not dead. Margaret beseeches Dr. Cameron to take her away, and he, loving her, consents. Cameron, deciding to drive his machine himself, dismisses his chauffeur, an indifferent fellow who is tempted to make an easy haul as he is aware that Bryant's house is poorly guarded. He climbs through a front window. Bryant regains consciousness in time to see Dr. Cameron and his wife drive away. Inspired by a malignant idea, he goes to his desk and writes in his diary, after which he draws out a revolver with the intention of killing himself. Margaret and Cameron are brought to the police court by a country sheriff, who has arrested them on their way from the city Cameron, to shield Margaret, confesses that he did it, not realizing the seriousness of the charge against them; but when they hear that they are held for Bryant's murder, they are astounded. Bryant has made his wife and Dr. Cameron victims of his virulence by writing in his diary: "Doctor Cameron is coming to-night and I am sure that he and my wife are going to attempt my life. They love each other, traitors!" This evidence is now in the hands of the police who are satisfied in their conclusion that Cameron and Margaret are the murderers. As the two prisoners are being led to their cells, Bryant's butler confesses to having accidentally killed his master while attempting to wrest the revolver from him to prevent his committing suicide. His testimony is confirmed by the chauffeur, who attests to having seen the whole struggle. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Director
Writers
Alice Catlin (story) | Harvey Gates (scenario)
Producer
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Feb 16, 1917

Release date
Feb 16, 1917 (United States)

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Cast

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5 cast members
Name Known for
Charles Hill Mailes
William Bryant (as Charles H. Mailes) William Bryant (as Charles H. Mailes)   See fewer
Louise Lovely
Margaret Bryant Margaret Bryant   See fewer
Lee Hill
Dr. Cameron Dr. Cameron   See fewer
Malcolm Blevins
Chauffeur Chauffeur   See fewer
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