Me and M'Pal

• 1916
• 0 Hrs 40 Mins
• Other, Comedy, Drama

Harry Masterman, a young artist, does not seem to make much headway. On the day that he receives notice that his picture has been rejected by the Academy his rich uncle, James Hilliard, visits him. Mr. Hilliard tells his nephew he cannot continue making him an allowance, and that he had better get to work. Angrily Harry refuses the offer of a job. Harry cannot find buyers for his pictures, and things get so bad that at last he decides to look for some employment. He leaves a note for Kitty Kingsland, the young actress with whom he has been on the most friendly terms. Harry's case gets worse and he is thankful to get any odd job in Covent Garden Market. There he meets the old coster, Labby, who recognizes in him the young artist who used to be his customer and who cleared out owing him five and ninepence. Harry offers to work off the debt. Labby gives him a job. He takes Harry home with him, and, after consultation with Mammy, his "missus," decides Harry shall remain and work as Labby's assistant. Harry is so successful that he captures most of the customers of Hawkins, Labby's rival. Mr. Hilliard recognized in Mrs. Kingsland his old sweetheart and visited her many times. Through his influence Kitty gets a part in a West End production. The press proclaims Kitty's performance a great success and she goes to Covent Garden to buy flowers. Just as Harry and Labby are hoisting a heavy crate in a van the revengeful Hawkins passes. He gives a lunge and the crate falls to the ground on top of Harry, badly Injuring his leg. From a neighboring flower stall Kitty witnesses the accident. She recognizes Harry. He is lifted on to Labby's barrow, and. Kitty accompanying them, Labby drives to his home. Here Harry is carefully tended and Kitty brings him necessary comforts. Harry pledges her not to divulge his secret to his uncle. When Harry's birthday arrives he has almost recovered. Kitty gives him a set of artist's materials. Through the persuasion of Kitty and Labby he finally agrees to paint a picture of Labby and his donkey. Kitty sends it off to the Academy, where it is accepted and hung. Labby drives Harry to the Academy in his little donkey cart. There Harry is surprised to see his picture and to meet his uncle and his new wife and Kitty among the crowd who gather round the picture "Me an' Me Pal." Then Mr. Hilliard learns Harry painted the picture. He hears about his struggles and of Labby's kindness. As a reward, he not only sets up Labby in a regular green grocer's shop, but makes peace with his nephew, who shortly marries Kitty.