The Vicar of Wakefield

• 1913
• Drama

Sir Wm. Thornhill wishes to keep a close watch on his nephew, Richard Thornhill, who is a dissipated young fellow. In order to follow him more closely, he disguises himself and is introduced as a stranger, by the vicar, to his wife, their two daughters. Olivia and Sophia, and their son, Moses. Richard now appears in the company of two women friends of questionable reputation and is introduced to the vicar's family. In the meanwhile, Sir William has secreted himself and overhears the entire conversation. Richard is infatuated with Olivia, and by the aid of his two women companions, induces Olivia to arrange to go to London with him. In order to replenish his daughter's wardrobe, the vicar is forced to raise some money. His son, Moses, agrees to take their horse to "Ye Olde English Fair." Here he foolishly exchanges the horse for a large amount of green spectacles. Upon his return home, he learns that the spectacles are of no aid to the family's finances. Finally Richard persuades Olivia to run away with him. In order to accomplish this, he promises to marry her, but he does not intend to carry out his promise as he instructs his man, Jenkinson, to arrange a mock ceremony. Jenkinson, however, has borne a secret grudge against his master, and sees a chance for revenge. He arranges for a genuine ceremony. We see Olivia leaving her home late at night and meeting Richard, who has a carriage waiting. The bridal couple arrive at the home of a priest and the ceremony is performed. Richard, unsuspectingly signs the certificate, which Jenkinson secures for further use. On the following morning, the vicar learns that his daughter, Olivia, has disappeared and the reason is made clear when Moses, who had met Jenkinson and learned the truth, tells his father the whole story. The old man arms himself with two pistols, and is about to depart with an evil intention, when his wife persuades him to give up the idea of murder by opening a Bible and pointing to the commandment, "Thou Shalt not Kill." Putting aside the weapons he leaves to search for his daughter. At Richard's home he is denied knowledge of their master's whereabouts by the servants. Richard eventually becomes tired of Olivia and treats her very badly. She reproaches him for his conduct, but he informs her that she is not his wife as the ceremony had been a mock one. She leaves him and finds shelter in an inn. Fate brings her father, who is weary and footsore, to the same place and the two meet. She returns home with her father and after some deliberation is forgiven by her mother. Richard soon thinks that he would like to have Olivia back again and goes to her father with a most insulting and degrading offer. The vicar is a tenant and in debt to Richard, and is offered the alternative of imprisonment for debt or permitting his daughter to return to him. Naturally the old man won't listen to the scoundrel's words, and is arrested and carried off to the debtors' prison. Here he meets Richard's one-time accomplice, Jenkinson, and the two become very friendly. The vicar's family visit him in the prison and Jenkinson recognizes Olivia and becomes remorseful. Richard also visits the prison to taunt the old man, but is surprised to find his uncle on the scene. His uncle reproaches him for his conduct to his wife, but he maintains that she is not his wife, as the ceremony was a mock one. But what a change comes over him when Jenkinson appears and produces the certificate and the priest who performed the ceremony. Richard is entirely overcome and beaten. Sir William, after paying the debt for which the vicar is being detained, escorts the old man and his family back to their home, where all is peace and happiness once more.