Inside the World of James W. Horne: Decoding The Barnstormers

Adam, the proprietor of a country hotel, loses his heart to Nell, a soubrette. Unknown to the old man, the girl and his son Jack were formerly sweethearts, but had quarreled because of her refusal to leave the stage. Knowing of Adam's love for Nell, Mason, the leading man, and Eppstein, the manager, induce him to finance the show. This is on its last legs. The members of the company stop at Adam's hotel while in Preston and thus Nell meets Jack again. Upon her refusal to give up the stage, Jack angrily leaves her. When the show departs early next morning, Adam goes with it. Nell is fascinated by Mason and the latter plays her against Clara, who also fancies she loves him. Nell does not know that it is Adam's money which is backing the show. When she does discover the manner in which the old man is being fleeced, she promptly declares her intention of quitting the company. The conspirators vainly plead with the girl. Desperate, Mason and Eppstein kidnap Adam and wire Jack in the old man's name asking him to telegraph $600. His suspicions aroused, Jack determines to investigate. In the meantime, Nell has discovered Adam's predicament. Securing assistance, she rescues him just as Jack arrives. In gratitude, Adam advances enough money to send all the members, with the exception of the plotters, home. Nell, sick of the stage, returns to Preston with Jack and his father. The latter learns of their love affair, and concealing his own love, gives them his blessing.