The Counsel for the Defense - Production & Contact Info

The Counsel for the Defense (1913)
Short | 11 min | Short, Drama

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The Counsel for the Defense (1913)

Short | 11 min | Short, Drama

Hugh, a gay young man from college, is given a place in his father's law office in the hope that he will settle down and make something of himself. But one night, while at a roof garden with some friends, he meets Eloise Grizell, a singer....See moreHugh, a gay young man from college, is given a place in his father's law office in the hope that he will settle down and make something of himself. But one night, while at a roof garden with some friends, he meets Eloise Grizell, a singer. It is love at first sight. They marry and telegraph to his father. Furious at his son's marrying a café singer, the proud old attorney promptly disowns him, although it almost breaks his heart. For a time the couple are extremely happy and then their funds run low. Hugh becomes worried. Eloise tries to cheer him. She offers to go back on the stage, but he will not allow this. As weeks go by, his passion wanes, and, taking to drink and associating with evil companions, he soon loses every vestige of manhood. He is, not even uplifted by the birth of his child. He soon deserts them and Eloise, ill and starving, is forced to get a position in a third-rate music hall, leaving the baby with a kind person. One night Hugh happens in to the music hall and, attracted by her grace, attempts to embrace her. She resists and a mutual recognition follows. He taunts her before all and she in fury stabs him with the stiletto she is using in the dance. She is placed on trial for crime, but withholds the name of her victim for the sake of his family. Her case attracts the attention of Lawyer Barrington, the great criminal lawyer, and he offers his services for the defense. As they have never met she does not ask his name and there is no recognition. He wins her case and she is acquitted. Getting her babe, she goes to the lawyer's home to thank him. Their identity is then discovered and he, furious at her confession, snatches the child from her and turns her out of the house. Eloise decides to end it all and goes to the park. She is about to end her misery when Barrington, repentant, restrains her. He tells her the babe needs a mother's love and that they will go far away from the scene of their common sorrow and start anew. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less