The Two Roses

OK, the rich benefactor in this Thanhouser one-reeler didn't actually do any of those things; he had someone else do them. But, seriously, "The Two Roses" is an exercise in poor screenwriting. Only some nice location photography featuring what appear to be non-actor bystanders in extra roles lifts the scenario. For instance, we see what appear to be actual laborers working on railroad tracks. The Edition Filmmuseum DVDs include the film under their "Escape" from poverty section. Indeed, that's what happens here.

The son of a worker of those tracks is winged by a passing car that includes that rich guy in the backseat. He offers some cash as compensation on the spot, but the working man tosses it back at him and carries his boy back home. Here's where the scenario gets screwy. The guy goes to buy his injured son a white rose, because the boy likes roses, we're told. Meanwhile, the "Black Hand" sends a blackmail letter to the rich guy to pay ransom to the man with a white rose or else. Two guys each with a white rose--hence the title "The Two Roses." See where this is going? Anyways, after that rich guy has the police arrest the wrong man, the father of the son his chauffeur had earlier ran over with his automobile, they all have a good laugh and shake hands. Oh, and the boy recovers and the rich guy returns a few weeks to show them a country house he bought for them. Moral of the story: don't settle for a bit of cash if you're run over and falsely arrested; negotiate for a house.

Note that regardless of expense, every home of this film's world comes complete with a "T" Thanhouser logo to protect against copyright infringement.

(From Deutsche Kinemathek 35mm print)