Quincy Adams Sawyer

Plot

Quincy Adams Sawyer is a young attorney who one day meets a girl in the park. He is immediately smitten with her, but is summoned to the village of Mason's Corners by his father's friend Deacon Pettengill to investigate a villainous lawyer named Obadiah Strout before he can pursue her. Meanwhile, Mrs. Putnam, an old woman, is being swindled by Strout. Putnam's daughter Lindy, a natural vamp, attempts to seduce Sawyer. He shows interest, until he finds out who the girl from the park is: Alice, Pettengill's niece who has become blind since their first meeting.

Despite this tragedy, Sawyer falls in love with Alice. Meanwhile, Strout attempts to scare away Sawyer and convinces Abner Stiles, who once committed a murder, that Sawyer is in town to investigate him. Lindy, on the other hand, tries to get rid of Alice and, with the help from Strout, Lindy lures her onto a boat, after which the rope is cut. The little boat is sent adrift and she is off to the water falls.

Lindy is initially glad to be rid of Alice, but soon regrets her decision. She rushes to Quincy and tells him the entire truth. Quincy races to the water falls and rescues her from a fatal fall. Overcome by excitement, she regains her sight. Her father is unaware that his daughter has been saved and becomes convinced that Strout has killed her. He grabs a revolver and attempts to shoot Strout, but he appears to have arrived too late. Stiles, who realized he was being lied to, has killed Strout in a rage.

Cast

Reception

Film magazine Moving Picture World was uninspired by the film's story, but called it an entertaining film. The New York Times thought the film was 'superficial' and stated that not even Lon Chaney's acting could save it. Variety praised 'the fearful hokum purveyed in the story' and was especially positive about Chaney and Elmo Lincoln. Barbara La Marr received favorable reviews from the critics as well, and the film was a success at the box office.