The Engagement Ring's primary photo
  • The Engagement Ring (1909)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Engagement Ring
The Engagement Ring (1909)
Short | Short, Drama
Our story opens in the general store of Si Dawson in a little prairie town way out in Iowa. Si has two daughters of a marriageable age, and as both are of great help in running the store, he is anxious to have them marry in the old home ...See moreOur story opens in the general store of Si Dawson in a little prairie town way out in Iowa. Si has two daughters of a marriageable age, and as both are of great help in running the store, he is anxious to have them marry in the old home town. Esther, the elder girl, has other ideas, and when her hand is sought by Tommy Carson, the village schoolmaster, she demurs. Old Si favors Tommy's suit and suggests that he buy the engagement ring. "A nice big one. Tommy; gals is always won over with gewgaws." Tommy buys the ring, but Esther meets a drummer and Si's plan fails. Jim Ralston is a big fine looking chap, and like many a Knight of the Grip inclined to treat all womankind lightly. He makes violent love to Esther and pictures to her the beauties of far away Chicago, pleads for an elopement. "We can be married when we get to the city," but Esther is a good Christian girl and will consent to do elopement without a proper wedding. "I'll go with you to Wayne Junction, the county seat. We can be married at the Commercial Hotel." Jim is disconcerted and about ready to give up the girl, when he meets a boon companion who travels for another firm engaged in the same trade, and over a quiet bottle Jim tells him of his conquest. "I meant to get her to Chicago and lose her, but she won't go without having the knot tied in her own town." "Well, that's easy; I'll be the minister. Just rent the clerical coat at a costumer's the next time you are in Chicago and bring it in a grip." "Yes, but how about the marriage license?" "Why, I'll borrow the saloon keeper's and doctor the top of it and make it read 'Marriage' instead of 'Liquor,' and only show her that much of it. See how easy it is?" "By George, I'll do it," and so the plan to ruin a young girl's whole future is arranged. But as often happens, chance intervenes; Esther before leaving sends a note to Tommy (whom after all she really cares for), disclosing her intentions and asking him to tell her father she is to be married at Wayne Junction. Tommy rushes to Si with the note. Si gives Tommy his horse and buggy, while he goes to the sheriff and gets his assistance to stop the elopement. Tommy arrives at the hotel and is an unexpected and unseen witness to the faking of the marriage license. He soon opens Esther's eyes to Jim's real purpose and starts back home with the misguided girl. But Jim and his pal are not so easily balked. They follow in an auto and waylay Tommy as he crosses the bridge over the Des Moines River. Tommy is rendered insensible and Jim, fearing that the man is dead, throws him in the river. Esther is an expert swimmer, and as she sees the unconscious man sink from sight, she breaks from Jim's pal who is holding her, springs to the rail and dives fifty feet to the river below to rescue the man she now realizes she loves. The sheriff arrives, puts the rascals under arrest, Esther swims to shore with Tommy and falls sobbing for forgiveness into her father's arms. One Week Later. Tommy has about recovered from the blow Jim gave him and has decided to move away from the village, for he can't bear to remain now that Esther is lost to him; but that young lady arrives and makes him change his mind wants to know "where that ring is, you were going to give me." Tommy fumbles in his vest pocket, brings it forth, slips it on Esther's finger, just as Si and Esther's young sister appear at the door. The tableau they witness proves plainly that their presence is needed. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Producer
William Nicholas Selig
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Sep 9, 1909
Release date
Sep 9, 1909 (United States)

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