Summary
In the rugged, windswept expanse of Newfoundland’s Hearts Desire, a tranquil fishing hamlet, the predatory machinations of urban capitalism descend in the form of George Wilton, a representative from a formidable New York fish packing concern. His objective: to acquire Jean Laroque’s prized plant. Laroque, a man of steadfast principle and deep roots, staunchly refuses to divest. Observing this impasse, Wilton discerns a vulnerability in Judith Bretans, Laroque’s spirited, yet restless fiancée, whose provincial existence chafes against her aspirations for metropolitan grandeur. He masterfully dangles the tantalizing prospect of a New York life, contingent upon her clandestine acquisition of the plant's deed. On the very eve of her nuptials, Judith, seduced by the siren call of the city, betrays her new husband, absconding with the vital documents. The subsequent revelation shatters Jean Laroque, who, devastated by the perfidy, publicly renounces Judith and vanishes from the village. Wilton, now the plant’s proprietor, unleashes a reign of tyrannical exploitation upon the local fishermen, his cruelty igniting a furious uprising. As the enraged populace prepares to storm the facility, a repentant Jean Laroque dramatically reappears, his intervention forestalling the mob's vengeful assault. In the ensuing chaos, Wilton meets a violent end, and Judith, her illusions irrevocably shattered by the harsh realities of her choices, finds a poignant path to reconciliation with her estranged husband, the bitter lessons of ambition etched deeply into her soul.
Synopsis
Representing a large New York fish packing concern, George Wilton travels to the Newfoundland fishing village of Hearts Desire to purchase a packing plant, but he soon learns that the plant's owner, Jean Laroque, has no intention of selling. Wilton promises Jean's restless young fiancée, Judith Bretans, that he will finance her move to New York City provided she give him the deed to the plant. On the night of the wedding, Judith secures the papers from her new husband, and when Jean realizes that he has lost the plant to Wilton, he denounces Judith and leaves town. As the new owner, Wilton operates the plant with such cruelty that the outraged fishermen decide to revolt and are about to attack the building when Jean appears. Although he succeeds in dispersing the mob, Wilton is killed, and Judith, who has realized her foolishness, is reunited with her husband.
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