The Bridge That Failed

• Watchlist

• 1914

• Watchlist

• Watchlist

John Sanders, a noted bridge builder, has received an order from the government to construct a steel bridge in the place of an old rope structure over a swiftly running river. He instructs his engineers, Jack Welder and Frank Sawyer, to prepare plans for the bridge. Jack begins to work on his plans immediately and makes rapid progress with the designs, but Frank, who is of an indolent character, is unable to produce anything worthwhile. Seeing the progress which Jack has made, Frank becomes envious and determines to secure his plans if possible. They are both rivals for the hand of the ironmaster's daughter, Ruth, but Jack is the favored lover, which is another thorn in the side of Frank. Some time after, the government engineers call at the steel mills to discuss the plans for the new bridge. Stealing away unnoticed, Frank secretly traces Jack's plans, intending to submit them as his own. But in order to do this it is necessary for him to get his rival out of the way. Chancing to find a huge knife while going through the steel works, a treacherous plan suggests itself. He pockets the knife, intending to use it when the opportunity presented itself. Several days later, he sees Jack crossing the old foot bridge and determines to wreak vengeance on him. He cuts the rope cables which hold the bridge, sending Jack down into the seething waters below. He then hastens to the steel works and reports that the bridge has collapsed and that Jack had gone down with it. He goes to the office to destroy the original plans of Jack, but is seen by one of the employees. Hearing of her lover's plight, Ruth rushes to the high bank of the river and, balancing herself for a moment, makes a spectacular dive into the rushing waters below. She swims to the side of Jack, who is fast becoming exhausted by his efforts to keep afloat. They are then taken into a boat which had set out after them, and return to the ironmaster's home, where Jack is revived. He then accuses Frank of treacherously cutting the bridge cables. Frank is also accused of destroying the plans and is led away to his just deserts.