Hell Morgan's Girl

Summary

A poignant, if melodramatic, exploration of societal stratification and the capricious nature of fortune, "Hell Morgan's Girl" plunges into the tumultuous life of Roger, an artist who spurns his industrialist father's legacy for the bohemian allure of creation. Disinherited and cast adrift in the grimy underbelly of San Francisco, his former paramour, Olga, a calculating social climber, swiftly abandons him. Reduced to a derelict, Roger's scathing critique of a saloon's artwork earns him the ire of "Hell" Morgan, the establishment's formidable proprietor. It is here that Lola, Morgan's spirited daughter, intervenes, saving Roger from a brutal beating and subsequently securing him a position as the dance hall's pianist. A tender romance blossoms between the artist and the saloon girl, culminating in a painted portrait that captures the depth of their burgeoning affection, much to the chagrin of Sleter, a covetous politician with designs on Lola. The narrative takes a sharp turn with the re-emergence of Olga, now apprised of Roger's unexpected inheritance following his father's demise. Her calculated "slumming" excursion to "Sailor's Rest" reignites Roger's past infatuation, leading to a callous abandonment of Lola. The ensuing, visceral confrontation orchestrated by a heartbroken Lola precipitates Roger's departure and forces Lola into a reluctant engagement with Sleter. This fraught arrangement quickly devolves into violence as Lola resists Sleter's advances, culminating in Morgan's fatal intervention and subsequent shooting by the ruthless politician. As Lola flees with her dying father amidst the chaos of the catastrophic San Francisco earthquake and fire, "Sailor's Rest" crumbles into ash. Their desperate journey to the Presidio, a refuge for the displaced, becomes a crucible for fate, bringing Lola and a penitent Roger – drawn back by an enduring love – together in the somber final moments of "Hell" Morgan's life.

Synopsis

Oliver Curwell disowned his son Roger because he declined to abandon art and go into business, Roger gradually drifted from bad to worse until he was a derelict on the streets of San Francisco. In his art-student days a girl of the name of Olga had shown interest in him, believing he would inherit his father's millions, but when he was cast off the girl abandoned her pretense of affection. One evening Roger wanders into "Sailor's Rest," a saloon and dance hall run by "Hell" Morgan. A work of art hanging behind the bar Roger denounced as a "daub." Morgan resented this remark and was beating Roger when Lola saved his life by her interference. Morgan's daughter continued to befriend Roger and finally prevailed upon her father to give Roger the job of playing the piano in the dance hall. Roger painted Lola's portrait and they fell in love with each other. Sleter, a tough politician, objected, for the reason that he coveted Morgan's daughter. Olga leads a party of friends to "Sailor's Rest" on a slumming tour. She sees Roger at the piano and sends for him, as she reads in the newspapers of the death of Oliver Curwell, who willed his millions to his son. Roger joins Olga's party, and the old days are recalled. He forgets his love for Lola, and makes advances which Olga reciprocates. Lola goes to the party of slummers, and takes physical toll of both Roger and Olga. As a result Roger leaves "Sailor's Rest" and Lola resigns herself to Sleter. But when he attempts to collect his reward, Lola rebels and resists his advances. The tumult in Lola's room attracts "Hell" Morgan. He dashes upstairs, and in an encounter with Sleter is shot and mortally wounded. Lola drives Sleter from her room and escapes, dragging her father down a fire escape. Hardly have they reached the ground when San Francisco's earthquake and fire break loose. "Sailor's Rest" tumbles in a burning heap. Helping her father, Lola reaches the Presidio, where refugees are assembling. Her father is near death and she seeks a doctor in the crowd. Roger has been drawn back to "Sailor's Rest" by his love for Lola, and when he finds the place in ruins he likewise wends his way to the Presidio. Fate brings them together as "Hell" Morgan dies.