The Heritage of a Century - Production & Contact Info

The Heritage of a Century (1915)
Short | 20 min | Short, Drama

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The Heritage of a Century (1915)

Short | 20 min | Short, Drama

Rodney Lane and Evelyn Gilbert are engaged to be married, but their happiness is blasted by a quarrel between their fathers, who take opposite views on a certain political question. In an outburst of temper, Sir Arthur Gilbert orders his ...See moreRodney Lane and Evelyn Gilbert are engaged to be married, but their happiness is blasted by a quarrel between their fathers, who take opposite views on a certain political question. In an outburst of temper, Sir Arthur Gilbert orders his one-time friend, Humphrey Lane and his son from his house forever. Evelyn is heartbroken at being separated from her lover, and soon succumbs to a serious illness. Unable to keep away from Evelyn, Rodney decides to shoulder his father's burden and try to patch matters between Sir Arthur and his father. On the day he calls to do so, Evelyn dies. Rodney denounces Sir Arthur for the narrow and bigoted way in which he sacrificed his daughter's happiness and life. Sir Arthur, in full realization of what his obstinacy has caused, sets down the whole occurrence on paper. He conceals the document in a secret niche in the great fireplace in the hall and then shoots himself. Years pass by and another generation of Gilberts inhabit the hall. Sir Henry Gilbert is arranging the marriage of his daughter, Edythe, to William Hammond, a man of wealth and political promise. Edythe refuses to accept Hammond's attentions, saying she will marry Wilfred Arnold, whom she loves. Her father is furious and insists that she marry the man of his choice. Edythe and Wilfred plan to elope but they are frustrated by Hammond and Sir Henry, who force the girl to return home. Wilfred, in anger rushes into the room and confronts Sir Henry for desiring to force his daughter into a distasteful marriage and Sir Henry, speechless with rage, is about to rise and pronounce a curse on his daughter and Wilfred, when suddenly the old grandfather's clock strikes the hour of midnight. Spell-bound for an unaccountable reason, they silently watch the clock and from its body slowly emerges a vision of Sir Arthur Gilbert, his hand upraised in a stern rebuke. Slowly the vision moves toward the fireplace, taps on the cover of the niche, and gradually dissolves. Sir Henry discovers the hidden parchment, while Edythe and Wilfred eagerly lean over him, and read the story of the unhappy Evelyn and at the end, Sir Arthur's admonition: "The curse of the Gilberts is their temper and unforgiving pride. To him who can overcome, there is happiness assured." In his face a new light, in his eyes the request for forgiveness, Sir Henry gathers his daughter to him, while Wilfred grasps his outstretched hand, as a mutual understanding passes between them. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
3 cast members

Name	Known for
Dorothy Davenport Actress Actress See fewer	Human Wreckage (1923)
Lee Hill Actor Actor See fewer	The Hawk and the Hermit (1915)
Rupert Julian Actor Actor See fewer	The Kaiser, the Beast of Berlin (1918)