Public Opinion (1916)
Hazel Gray, a young nurse, is in love with Phillip Carson, the son of a philanthropist, Mrs. Carson-Morgan. Phillip, having had a falling out with his step-father, leaves home, gets a job, and lives in the same boarding house as Hazel. When his mother falls ill, Phillip arranges for Hazel to be her nurse. Hazel recognizes the doctor as the man who tried to deceive her, but keeps this information from Phillip. However, the doctor's unwanted attention makes her stay difficult. Mrs. Morgan dies suddenly and painfully from arsenic poisoning. Hazel is suspected of the crime, as evidence is found of her knowledge of the location of a bottle of arsenic. Phillip's testimony is against her, but Gordon Graham, a wealthy juror, is convinced of her innocence and manages to secure a verdict of "not guilty." However, public opinion is heavily against Hazel, and sensational newspapers fuel the suspicion, causing Hazel to have difficulty finding a place to stay. Graham takes her to his sister's home, confesses his love for her, and maintains his belief in her innocence. A drug addict, Smith, who was refused drugs by Dr. Morgan, threatens to reveal that the doctor had substituted arsenic for the medications prescribed for his wife. During the confrontation that follows, Hazel, Graham, and a police officer arrive, and in the struggle that ensues, Smith, who has obtained the doctor's gun, shoots and mortally wounds Dr. Morgan. In his dying confession, the doctor admits to being the guilty party. Hazel's innocence is established, public opinion changes, and she is reunited with the man who defended her.
Books with substantial mentioning of Public Opinion
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John T. Soister and Henry Nicolella American silent horror, science fiction and fantasy feature films, 1913-1929 Jefferson, N.C., 2012 |
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James Robert Parish Ghosts and Angels in Hollywood Films, Plots, Critiques, Casts and Credits for 264 Theatrical and Made-for-Television Releases Jefferson, North Carolina, and London, 1994 |
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