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Backbone Synopsis

As has his family for generations, André de Mersay rules the little town of St. Croix, Maine, and its surrounding lumber interests. While thinking of his granddaughter, Yvonne, who is returning from France, André recalls the story of his namesake ancestor who, in the time of Louis XV of France, was cruelly separated from his sweetheart, Yvonne de Chausson, and exiled to America. When Yvonne arrives she is told by Anthony Bracken, de Mersay's business manager, that her grandfather is seriously ill and may see no one. The arrival of John Thorne and his efforts to open up a tract of lumber long intended to be worked by the de Mersays further infuriate Yvonne. After much conflict and danger to Yvonne and John, it is revealed that de Mersay died sometime ago; that Bracken and his partner, Doc Roper, were embezzling de Mersay funds; and that John Thorne is descended from Yvonne de Chausson. Yvonne and John are united, thus fulfilling a promise centuries old.

High Play Synopsis

Wealthy banker John Sevier is engaged to Elaine Morier, who runs an upscale gambling club with her father Gerald. One night at the club John stops a fight between club employee Jim Hammond and a wealthy young customer named Tom Leonard. He takes Leonard home and meets his sister Marion. The next day he discovers that his banking partner, Jim Collins, has made too many bad investments with the bank's money and the institution is in danger of going under. John promises to use his own money to save the bank, but Elaine, outraged, breaks off their engagement. However, Marion and Tom congratulate him on his courage in putting up his own money to save the bank. Elaine and her father--who were scheming to take John for his money all along--realize that they made a mistake and try to get the two back together again. Complications ensue.