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Before the Dawn
(1909) United States of America
B&W : Split-reel / [?] 615 or 620? feet
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Lubin Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Lubin Manufacturing Company. / Produced by Siegmund Lubin. / © 23 August 1909 by Lubin Manufacturing Company. Released 23 August 1909; in a split-reel with Wifey Away, Hubby at Play (1909). / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Clure, for the sake of his family kept up appearances, even though he found himself on the verge of bankruptcy. Hale, his confidential clerk, is just conferring with Clure when his wife and daughter enter. Mrs. Clure asks her husband for money. He gives her his last dollar and smilingly kisses her good-bye. Hardly has she gone when Clure drops to the floor, and before help can be brought dies of heart disease. There is consternation in the house when Mrs. Clure learns that she and her daughter have nothing to live from. She begs Hale to keep the news from Erna, which he promises. Mrs. Clure sells all her household goods with the understanding that they remain in her use while Erna is courted by a rich young man. The faithful clerk pays the rent unknown to Mrs. Clure. Mrs. Clure is embroidering. While her daughter is enjoying herself at balls and parties, she is sitting at home working to earn a living. The Mother discovers that the faithful clerk pays the interest on her furniture and gives up her home. The interest on the furniture is due. The men demand their money. The faithful clerk was just at their house to pay the interest but he missed them. He quickly runs to Mrs. Clure’s home, but he comes too late. Mrs. Clure knows everything. She gives up her home and decides to live in a small garret room. Erna, her daughter, for the first time knowing the true circumstances, thanks Hale and promises to stay with her mother, happen what may. It is a plain, cozily furnished room where the woman’s loving hands now reign. A message is brought for Miss Clure from her intended, informing her that he is so sorry to learn the loss of her fortune. He informs her that he shall not be able to call on her in the near future as pressing business calls him at once out of the city. Thus she learns the true character of the man she was to marry. Just then Hale enters, hesitatingly, confused. At last he takes courage and asks Miss Clure for her heart and hand. There a heartless youth speculated at her fortune and here stands a true heart, a man who made sacrifices for her, a man who loves her for her own sake. Could it be difficult to choose? And with a happy smile she says “yes.”
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 13 December 2024.
References: Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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