movie
Joe Hibbard's Claim
Director: Jay Hunt
Year: 1913
Plot: Joe Hibbard is employed in a mine and systematically steals gold nuggets until he has quite a fortune hoarded away in his cabin. He writes his old mother the following letter; "Rocky Gulch, Cal., May 1, 1853. Dear Mother, Am operating a very paying claim out here. Take train and stage for California immediately. Will meet you upon arrival. Your affectionate son, Joe." The foreman sees Joe concealing a nugget, and that evening follows him home and watches through the window while Joe places it with the rest of his stealings. An hour later the sheriff, acting upon the foreman's accusation, prepares to arrest Joe. A desperate fight takes place, in which the sheriff is mortally wounded, and Joe makes his escape on horseback, eluding the posse which goes after him. A fugitive from justice, Joe becomes bitter and decides to become a bandit and holds up the stagecoach. Among the letters he secures is one addressed to himself, from his mother, reading: "My Dear Son, I am leaving for the west next week. Meet me at Rocky Gulch either Tuesday or Thursday stage of week following. Am glad to hear that you are doing so well. Until I see you again, believe me. Your devoted mother, Mary Hibbard." Joe realizes what he has done, and is heartbroken. He camps for the night, and in the early morning the posse surrounds him. Knowing that quick death will he his fate if captured, Joe sells his life dearly, but is finally captured by a clever lariat throw. He pleads with the men not to disclose to his mother the manner of his death, and they agree to shield the woman from the knowledge of her son's crimes. Mrs. Hibbard arrives and is treated with the utmost kindness by the miners. The settlement doctor is chosen to break the news to her, and he gently tells her that Joe met his death in an accident at the mine. She is grief stricken, and is in a pitiable plight, as her funds have been entirely exhausted by the journey. The boys secretly make a collection and lay a considerable amount in her hands, telling her it was left by Joe. Then she is led to the newly-made grave, over which a rude tombstone announces the name and date of the death of Joe Hibbard, and the broken-hearted old woman is left to sorrow over her child.—Moving Picture World synopsis
Original Title:
Joe Hibbard's Claim
Director:
Jay Hunt
Producer:
Thomas H. Ince
Type: movie
Year: 1913
Genres: Short, Western
Cast:
Charles Ray
Countries:
United States
Languages:
None
,
English
Color Info:
Black and White
Aspect Ratio: 1.33 : 1
Sound Mix:
Silent
Original Air Date: 06 Jun 1913 (USA)
Production Companies:
Broncho Film Company
Distributors:
Mutual Film
Producer:
Thomas H. Ince