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» » David Gray's Estate (1914)

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Over his forge bent David Gray / And thought of the rich man 'cross the way. / "Hammer and anvil for me," he said, / "And weary toil for my children's bread." / "For Him, soft carpets and ... See full summary
Over his forge bent David Gray / And thought of the rich man 'cross the way. / "Hammer and anvil for me," he said, / "And weary toil for my children's bread." / "For Him, soft carpets and pictured walls, / A life of ease in his spacious halls. / The clang of bells on his dreaming broke, / A flicker of flame, a whirl of smoke. / Horses unshod, forge grown white-hot, / Coat and hat were alike forgot. / As up on the highway the blacksmith ran, / In face and mien a crazy man. / "School house afire," Men's hearts stood still / And the women prayed, as women will. / While 'bove the tumult the wailing cry / Of frightened children rose shrill and high. / Night in its shadows his sun and earth; / The rich man sat by his costly hearth. / Lord of wide acres and untold gold, / But wifeless, childless, forlorn and old. / He thought of the family 'cross the way, / "I would," he sighed, "I were David Gray." / The blacksmith stood by his children's bed, / To look once more at each smiling head. / "My...

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    • Author: Wizer
    This photoplay depicts the scenes described in the poem. David Gray is a hard working blacksmith, who, as he works, thinks with envy of the ease of the Rich Man. His dream of envy is suddenly disturbed by the clang of the village fire bell and the word spreads that the school house is afire. David Gray leaves his forge and runs up the road crazed with fear for the safety of his children. That night as The Rich Man sits in his home, wifeless and childless, David Gray stood looking down at his children, safe and sound asleep in their beds. - The Moving Picture World, April 25, 1914
  • Cast overview:
    Sydney Ayres Sydney Ayres - David Gray
    Vivian Rich Vivian Rich - Lucy Gray
    Harry von Meter Harry von Meter - The Rich Man (as Harry Van Meter)
    Jack Richardson Jack Richardson - The Blacksmith's Helper
    Louise Lester Louise Lester - The Teacher
    Charlotte Burton Charlotte Burton - Member of the School Board
    Caroline Frances Cooke Caroline Frances Cooke - Member of the School Board (as Caroline Cooke)
    Edith Borella Edith Borella - Undetermined Secondary Role
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