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  • The Vice (1912)
  • Short | Short, Drama
The Vice (1912)
Short | Short, Drama
A young bank-clerk, named Mercier, is entrusted by his firm with a large sum of money, which he has to convey to Biarritz, there to meet an important client, who is to receive the Money in exchange for certain papers. Mercier, who has ...See moreA young bank-clerk, named Mercier, is entrusted by his firm with a large sum of money, which he has to convey to Biarritz, there to meet an important client, who is to receive the Money in exchange for certain papers. Mercier, who has recently married a young and charming wife, decides to take her to Biarritz with him, in order that she may enjoy a short holiday. On arrival at the hotel, he finds a wire, informing him that the client has been delayed, and requesting Mercier to wait for him two or three days longer. The young couple are delighted at the prospect of a prolonged holiday, and devote themselves to the enjoyment of the ideal surroundings, the money being deposited in a small cupboard in the wardrobe, and the key placed in Mercier's dressing case. While roaming about the grounds of the hotel they encounter another young couple, and the two women recognize in each other former school friends. A pleasant acquaintance is renewed, and the four young people spend much of the time together. On one occasion, in the absence of the two men, Mrs. Mercier is annoyed by the obvious admiration of an American visitor, who manages to convey to her a note expressing his desire for a meeting. She shows the letter to her husband, who, though intensely annoyed, does not appear to take any steps to prevent its repetition, as he still leaves his wife very much to the society of her old schoolfellow. This lady has a keen desire to try her fortune at the gaming tables, and at last prevails upon Mrs. Mercier to accompany her. Luck goes against them, and they soon lose all they possess, but Mrs. Mercier's friend assures her that with a little more capital they cannot fail to regain what they have lost, and win largely in the long run. Mrs. Mercier is carried away by the passion for play, and, in a fatal moment, she finds the key of the wardrobe in which her husband has placed the money entrusted to him. She returns to the tables, and in a short space of time has lost the entire sum. Horrified at the realization of her husband's ruin, she staggers back to the hotel, and is found by Mercier in a state of collapse. On her recovery she is forced to confess her criminal folly, and the effect on Mercier is such as almost to deprive him of his senses. On recovering himself, he finds that his wife has disappeared, and for a time his efforts to find her are in vain. At last, on a seat overlooking the sea, he finds a bundle of banknotes, and far below, on the rocks at the edge of the water, he sees the lifeless body of his wife. Realizing that the woman he loves has completed the wreck of his honor, with a desperate leap he joins her on the rocks below. Written by The Bioscope - June 26, 1913 See less
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Producer
Ernesto Maria Pasquali
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jul 6, 1912
Release date
1912 (Italy)

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