Lightnin'

Summary

In a nuanced exploration of matrimony and morality, Lightnin' Bill Jones, a rugged individualist with a penchant for libations, toils as a handyman at the Calivada Hotel, operated by his better half and their adopted offspring, Millie. When real estate speculators, driven by avarice, discern that the hotel sits atop a proposed railroad right of way, they cunningly manipulate Mother Jones into selling the land. However, Bill, bolstered by the sage advice of John Marvin, a young attorney smitten with Millie, refuses to append his signature to the bill of sale. This decision precipitates a familial crisis, culminating in Bill's ejection from the household and his subsequent relocation to the Old Soldiers' Home. As the schemers endeavor to divorce Mother Jones from Bill, she undergoes an epiphany, ultimately reconciling with her spouse. The conniving speculators are apprehended, and John and Millie formalize their romantic commitment.

Synopsis

Lightnin' Bill Jones, a man partial to the bottle, does chores and odd jobs around the Calivada Hotel, which is run by his wife and their adopted daughter, Millie. Real estate hucksters, learning that the hotel stands on a proposed railroad right of way, talk Mother Jones into selling the land, but, on the advice of John Marvin, a young lawyer in love with Millie, Bill refuses to sign the bill of sale. Mother Jones orders him from the house, and he goes to live in the Old Soldiers' Home. The schemers persuade Mother Jones to divorce Bill, and she takes him to court. Mother Jones has a change of heart, however, and is reconciled with Bill. The schemers are arrested, and John and Millie become engaged.