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[A Bad Bargain]
Also known as A Bad Bargain in the USA
(1909) France
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Compagnie Genérale des Établissements Pathé Frères Phonographes & Cinématographes production; distributed by Compagnie Genérale des Établissements Pathé Frères Phonographes & Cinématographes. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA by Pathé Frères on 27 December 1909; in a split-reel with Marvelous Garlands (1909).
Comedy.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Mr. Moore, who is very much in need of money, puts an “ad” in the paper offering his house for sale and giving ill health as his reason for disposing of the property. The truth of the matter is that Mr. Moore was never better physically in his life, but financially his condition is desperate. A Mr. Hand finally makes a bargain with Moore for the property and the latter agrees to let him have it for $6,000 a year during his (Moore’s) lifetime, payable every three months. When the papers are signed and Hand leaves. Moore kicks his heels together for joy. Poor Hand, however, by the time the first payment is due, regrets very much taking the place and decides that his only hope of being relieved of the responsibility is to kill off Moore. When the latter comes for his rent, therefore. Hand invites him into a café hoping that he will drink himself to death. But the wine fails to take effect on Moore, although he has consumed a goodly portion of it, hut Hand becomes hopelessly intoxicated and while he is in this condition his wife who has been looking for him happens in and gives him a good drubbing with her umbrella. Seeing that his plan has failed. Hand thinks of another; perhaps if he gets Moore interested in gambling the excitement might kill him. Again, however, Hand is the victim, as Moore wins every cent of his money and leaves the place as cool as a cucumber. At last desperate. Hand draws a rope across the street, hoping to trip Moore and thus get rid of him. But not so. Moore sees the rope and jumps lightly over it and when Hand sneaks around to see what has happened to friend Moore he himself gets mixed up in the rope and goes sprawling on the ground. He gives his head such a bump that it brings on an attack of fever and during his ravings he meets Moore in a café and disguising himself as a waiter puts poison in his enemy’s glass. When it takes effect he cuts off Moore’s legs and arms, but to his horror the latter quietly join themselves to the trunk again and there stands his landlord before him asking for his rent. The last part of his nightmare is cold reality, however, and Hand pleads with Moore, asking him to let him off and take the property back. Moore finally consents when Hand promises to let him marry his daughter.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 8 January 1910, page 16] A farce which will raise a hearty laugh in all audiences. The difficulties of the individual who drives a bad bargain will appeal with irresistable force to everyone who sees the complications. The picture is characterized as a scream, but perhaps that is extravagant praise. It is funny and will keep the audience in good humor throughout. No manager could reasonable ask more.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: (unknown) [France]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 22 January 2025.
References: MovPicWorld-19100108 p. 16 : Website-IMDb.
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