A Fighting Chance's primary photo
  • A Fighting Chance (1909)
  • Short | Short, Drama, Western
Primary photo for A Fighting Chance
A Fighting Chance (1909)
Short | Short, Drama, Western
In the foothills of Colorado there lived an old cattleman by the name of Jed Spooner. He had long since relinquished his rights as head or the household over which he should have presided, to his very strenuous and iron-willed wife, who ...See moreIn the foothills of Colorado there lived an old cattleman by the name of Jed Spooner. He had long since relinquished his rights as head or the household over which he should have presided, to his very strenuous and iron-willed wife, who was known far and wide as "the boss of the Clear Creek Ranch." Susan, their only daughter, a handsome and impetuous girl of the Western range, was courted and much sought after by the young ranchmen and cowboys of that vicinity. George Graves was the favored one, however, and being a young man of industrious habits, and exemplary conduct, he soon won the favor of the mother, and that, of course, placed him head and shoulders above all his rivals. Now, old Jed Spooner was in the habit of slipping away unbeknown to his watchful wife and partaking of the liquid refreshments which were to be obtained at a nearby roadside saloon. On these occasions he was wont to imbibe so freely that he usually became nerved up to almost dare defy the will of his robust mate. Meeting him at his favorite haunt one day, "Texas Joe," a rather unpopular cowman of the valley, plies the old man so freely with "Red Oak" whiskey that he soon has him in a melting mood and ready to grant Joe any favor within his power. "I want yer darter for my wife, Jed," whispers the half intoxicated bully. "She is yours for the askin', Joe," replies the boozy old ranchman. So with many expressions of mutual regard and admiration the two, arm in arm, roll out of the saloon and over the hill path to the ranch, to acquaint Susan with the wishes of her fond father and devoted admirer. Out in front of the old ranch house stands Susan watching some of the boys at a game of poker. Hearing a shout in the distance she raises her eyes, and then a look of disgust spreads over her face, for coming towards the group is the hated "Texas Joe" supporting her hilarious old dad, who by this time is hardly able to walk. She starts to enter the house, but her father calls her back, and taking her hand roughly places it in the grasp of his friend Joe, at the same time informing her that Joe is to be her husband. With indignation stamped on her face our pretty heroine gives him a look of unutterable scorn, and turning her back on them walks into the house. Now this independence on the part, of his daughter fires old Spooner to uncontrollable wrath, and staggering after her drags her back and insists upon her giving her consent to the union he at present so much desires. No one notices the approach of young Graves, who happens upon the scene just in time to overhear the old man's command. Taking in the situation at a glance, he pushes the drunken father aside and placing his arm about the form of his sweetheart informs old Spooner and "Texas Joe" that in the future he will guide the destinies of the young lady in question. This is more than Joe can swallow. With a roar of indignant rage he springs forward to punish the fearless young man for his audacity, but a well-directed blow from the iron fist of George sends him sprawling to the ground. Staggering to his feet, he attempts to draw his pistol, but again the quick eye of the cattleman thwarts him and he gazes into the barrel of a wicked looking 45. "Cut the cards for a chance for the girl," shouts one of the excited cowpunchers who has been an interested spectator of the little drama. "Agreed," replies Joe. Both men lay down their weapons. The cards are shuffled: both men cut. George wins. With a sudden bound the furious Texan wheels and grasps his gun, and raising it fires point blank at his fortunate rival, but his aim being unsteady the bullet plows its way through the plump arm of Susan. "He has shot the girl! Kill him!" shout the cowboys as they start in pursuit of the fleeing assassin. Headed by George they lose no time in getting on the track of the fugitive, although he has partially succeeded in throwing them off the trail. Over the rocks, through the canyons, down the mountain sides they go, until finally by a well-directed shot Joe falls to the ground with a bullet through his thigh. He is dragged back to the ranch and the general sentiment is for a necktie festival, but before old Spooner, who is suddenly turned against his former friend, has time to lead a movement in that direction, his valiant wife descends upon the scene, and immediately the old codger's valor reaches a low ebb. Driving him into the house, the old lady scatters the rest of the mob. At Susan's wish "Texas Joe" is allowed to go his way in peace, but with instructions to make himself scarce on the Clear Creek Range. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Producer
William Nicholas Selig
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Apr 22, 1909
Release date
Apr 22, 1909 (United States)

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