The Gambler

• 1909
• Other, Drama

This cleverly portrayed drama depicts the life of a foolish gambler who sacrifices his family's happiness that he might have money to throw across the gaming table. In the first picture we see the gambler entering the gambling den, leaving his wife and child on the street, unheeding their plea to come home with them. He is a heavy loser, and returns home penniless, where he vows to his good wife that he will never play again. The poor woman has to sacrifice her jewels that she might have money to buy bread, and when her husband learns that there is more money in the house, he awaits his opportunity and steals it, after which he returns to the gambling den to try his luck once more. When the wife learns of his rash act from her little daughter, who saw her father take the money, the disheartened woman decides to end it all. She locks up the room, and turns on the gas with the hope of suffocating herself and child. The gambler this time has been more fortunate, and is successful in breaking the bank. He returns home in high glee, but upon reaching the door of his apartment, is horrified to detect the odor of gas. The terrified man breaks down the door and enters the room where he finds the inanimate forms of his wife and child. He quickly opens the window, and it is not long before the fresh air has the desired effect upon the victims, and they soon regain their senses. At last the gambler realizes the enormity of his rash acts, and vows to reform. He tears up the cards and taking his wife and child in his arms, swears upon his honor, to never enter a gambling den again.