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Crime and Punishment Synopsis

"One death, and thousands of lives restored to existence. For some useless life a thousand lives saved from decay and death. Shall not one little crime be effaced and atoned by a million good deeds?" So ran Rodion Raskolnikoff's creed in the book which was responsible for his being expelled from the University, but which elected him the leader of a secret brotherhood which admired him. The law proving too hot for him, he is finally forced to flee to America, still preaching his same doctrine. Rodion's heart is touched by the poverty on the East Side and he determines to kill a pawnbroker who mercilessly squeezes the poor unfortunates to their last cent. He accomplishes the deed, takes money from the safe, uses it for the needy and manages to keep the guilt from himself. But the crime is fastened on an innocent man, who, to escape further torture of a relentless third degree confesses to a crime he had no hand in. Then comes Rodion's struggle between his conscience and his creed, and through the guidance of a "lost sister of the streets," he rejects the faith he founded and acknowledges his guilt.

The First Law Synopsis

After her father suffers financial ruin, Norma Webb advertises for boarders and finally accepts the application of young philanthropist Hugh Godwin. Norma is deeply in love with Hugh, but she mysteriously refuses his proposal of marriage. Later he learns that some time ago she had married the scoundrel who swindled her father. One night the husband enters her room and tries to force his attentions on her, whereupon she shoots him and flees. A detective discovers the body and threatens to expose Norma unless she uses her influence to secure for him Hugh's financial secrets. Desperate, Norma marries Hugh and obeys the blackmailer's orders until finally, unable to endure her own dishonesty any longer, she confesses everything to her new husband. Hugh and Norma track the detective to his home just in time to witness him murder the first husband, who merely had been wounded by Norma's shot. The detective is arrested, leaving Hugh and Norma free to enjoy their happiness.