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Too Much Johnson Synopsis
In order to conduct a secret dalliance with Mrs. Dathis aboard his former yacht, Augustus Billings uses the name "Johnson" and inscribes a photograph of himself with his assumed name. Mrs. Dathis' jealous husband later tears the photograph and only the curly black hair remains with the inscription "Johnson." Billings' mother-in-law, Mrs. Batterson, and his wife investigate Billings' explanation of his absence. Billings accompanies them to Mexico where supposedly he had been called to look after recently acquired oil properties. Billings takes them to a property owned by an intimate friend, but the property has been sold to a man named Joseph Johnson, who is aboard the same ship to Mexico as Billings, his wife and mother-in-law, as well as a revenge-seeking Mr. Dathis. Also on board are Francis Faddish and his daughter Leonora, who is to become the bartered wife of Johnson. Johnson knocks out the jealous Mr. Dathis, who has been searching everywhere for the curly-haired philanderer. After Johnson mistakes Billings' wife for his own bride-to-be, Billings tricks Johnson into a declaration of marriage with Mrs. Batterson. Billings is therefore relieved of the mother-in-law who interfered with his marital happiness.
His Sweetheart Synopsis
Joe, a good natured Italian, runs a basement ice, coal, and wood establishment in the cheap Italian "East Side." Trina, daughter of old Capino, a cobbler, lives next door. She is fond of Joe and is relieved when she learns that Joe's "sweetheart," who arrives from Italy, is none other than his little old "Mama Mia," his mother. Godfrey Kelland, district attorney, is a candidate for the governorship, and Joe's sympathies and efforts are enlisted in his behalf. The Weasel, a notorious crook, is arrested as he seeks refuge in Joe's house, and suspicions are cast upon Mama Mia. Just at this time Mrs. Kelland loses a diamond pin which is discovered in Mama Mia's possession. Baby Kelland has placed the pin in the basket of clothes which Mama Mia is to wash and she is found "guilty" and sentenced to two years in the penitentiary. In the meantime, Joe and his mother have witnessed an attempt upon Kelland's life and assisted him, but nevertheless Kelland is vigorous in his prosecution of Mama Mia. A little later Mrs. Kelland discovers the baby putting another piece of jewelry in the basket and she decides that Joe's mother is innocent. Two crooks from the gang determine to put a stop to Kelland's activities and to "plant" a golf ball filled with nitroglycerin so that Kelland will be blown up as by an unknown accident. They play upon Joe's feelings and induce him to place the ball. Just as Kelland is about to strike the ball, Mrs. Kelland and Trina come into the grounds, and to save them Joe takes the blow upon his own body. Joe's confession that the ball was intended for him incites Kelland's anger, but Mrs. Kelland's story of the baby's innocent part in the tragedy, and her pleadings, soften the politician's heart, the little Italian family is reunited, and Trina's happiness also secured.
"Too Much Johnson" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "His Sweetheart" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
Too Much Johnson