The Witch - Production & Contact Info

The Witch (I) (1913)
Short | 30 min | Short, Drama

The Witch (I) (1913)

Short | 30 min | Short, Drama

Selectman Marsh, a miserly elder, is in love with Mary Martin, daughter of Widow Martin, but she resents his attentions. Governor Brent, a stranger in the village, comes across her in the woods as she is trying to evade Marsh. He carries ...See moreSelectman Marsh, a miserly elder, is in love with Mary Martin, daughter of Widow Martin, but she resents his attentions. Governor Brent, a stranger in the village, comes across her in the woods as she is trying to evade Marsh. He carries her basket and together they walk to the widow's cottage. The governor is called away to a distant conclave so suddenly that Mary, who has not even learned his name or where he has gone, is grieved. In order to carry out his plan of getting Mary married to him. Marsh resorts to a stratagem and accuses the widow, who dispenses remedies to her neighbors, of witchcraft. When a little girl neighbor, who has been eating too many green apples, becomes sick, the widow is accused of her ailment. She is at once placed in jail. Marsh comes to extend his sympathy and says that he will use his influence in getting her out if she will consent to have her daughter marry him. She refuses and appeals to the acting governor, who, although willing to help her at first, is at length frightened into neutrality by the wrath of the villagers. The day of the execution has arrived, and, as the villagers are getting ready to bum the widow, Mary despairingly offers herself to Marsh, and they are married. Marsh fears the fury of the enraged people in freeing the widow, and Mary, unable to withstand the suspense, hurries home. On her way she meets Governor Brent, who has returned. He learns of Mary's trouble and with a guard he rescues the widow. He brings her to her cottage, followed by the angry villagers. News is brought that the little girl is well and that she has confessed as to the cause of her illness. The people will not believe this and trouble is averted by the retinue of the governor, who learns with sorrow that she is married to the miserly Marsh. .Mary tries to be a dutiful wife, but finds that his caresses are obnoxious and that he cares more for his gold than for her. Brent cannot forget Mary and in going towards her home sees her husband about to attack her for trying to save a little boy who has stolen an apple. Marsh reminds Brent that the law permits of a husband chastising his wife if he wishes to and Brent leaves. He finds that his admiration for Mary is very strong and he again calls upon her. He observes that Mary is alone, her husband being in the cellar gloating over his gold. He kisses the bruises inflicted upon her. Their loud talking is heard by Marsh, who ascends just in time to see Brent about to embrace his wife. He angrily attempts to strike Brent, but the latter leaves in time. Sometime later. Marsh, who has long coveted a piece of government property near his home, threatens to make his wife and Brent objects of scorn if Mary does not influence the governor in granting the land to him. Brent, although surprised to learn of Mary's mission, acquiesces to her request. During the absence of Mary, Marsh has descended into the cellar where he keeps his gold, but has forgotten to shut the secret door to the hiding place. Mary returns and Marsh, knowing now that she knows of his hiding place for the gold, runs after her with a big stick. At her mother's gate she meets Brent, who intercedes in her behalf with Marsh. Brent is knocked down. The widow tells Marsh that he has killed Brent. In a frenzy of fright he rushes to his cellar for the bags of gold. But the weight of them is too much and just before he reaches the top of the stairs he falls and kills himself. The villagers arrive at the Martin's cottage with the news that Marsh has been killed, and now Mary and Brent are left alone in their new-found happiness. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
5 cast members

Name	Known for
Alec B. Francis Selectman Marsh - the Miser Selectman Marsh - the Miser See fewer	Oliver Twist (1933)
Mildred Bright Mary Martin Mary Martin See fewer	Rob Roy (1913)
Robert Frazer Governor Brent Governor Brent See fewer	The Vampire Bat (1933)
Julia Stuart Widow Martin Widow Martin See fewer	Life's Whirlpool (1916)
Frederick Truesdell Actor (as Fred C. Truesdell) Actor (as Fred C. Truesdell) See fewer	Alias Jimmy Valentine (1915)