Mr. Goode, Samaritan

Summary

In a delightful twist of Gilded Age misfortunes, the affluent yet remarkably guileless Mr. Goode finds his leisurely automobile excursion with his wife and daughter, Evelina, abruptly curtailed when their vehicle spectacularly self-combusts. Stranded, they encounter the suave but duplicitous Foxy Monte, a polished crook who, having just pilfered a luxury roadster, magnanimously offers them passage. Monte, a master of opportunistic chicanery, not only provides the lift but cunningly offloads the stolen car onto the unsuspecting Goode. So easily swayed is Goode that Monte, sensing a deeper vein of credulity, plots further exploitation. When Goode embarks on a business trip in his newly acquired (and still-reported-stolen) machine, the law, alerted by the original owner, swiftly intervenes, consigning him to a jail cell. His family, oblivious to his plight, merely assumes his extended absence is business-related, continuing to host Monte, who has now re-entered their social sphere under a new alias and a disguising beard. Meanwhile, Goode, ever the benevolent spirit, transforms his incarceration into an unlikely philanthropic endeavor, refurnishing his cellblock and extending genuine camaraderie to his fellow inmates, even inviting them to visit upon his release. True to their word, the ex-convicts Shifty Ed and his sweetheart, Shorty Sal, arrive at a fashionable house party at the Goode estate, where Monte is also a guest. Sal, possessing a streetwise acumen, instantly recognizes Monte, who, fearing exposure, preemptively denounces Ed and Sal as notorious criminals to the hostess. Seizing the ensuing chaos, Monte, whose previous matrimonial advances towards Evelina were rebuffed by her father, persuades the impressionable young woman to elope. It is at this critical juncture that Ed and Sal, demonstrating a profound loyalty born of Goode's unexpected kindness, orchestrate a dramatic intervention, culminating in a thrilling resolution that redefines the very essence of a 'samaritan' act.

Synopsis

Mr. Goode, a wealthy old gentleman, takes his wife and daughter, Evelina, out for a spin in their automobile, but throwing in the wrong lever the machine backs into the side of the road and burns up. They continue their journey on foot. Meanwhile, Foxy Monte, a polished crook, has stolen a beautiful car that has been left standing at the curb in a nearby town, and as he whizzes by he sees the Goode family. He stops and offers them a lift. Of course, they gladly accept. And while the ride is continued he persuades Mr. Goode to buy the roadster. Mr. Goode is so easy, in fact, that Monte determines to impose on him again. When Goode is called out of town on business he makes the trip in his new machine. As an alarm has been sent out to the police by the original owner of the car he is immediately apprehended and thrown into jail. His family, believing he has been detained on business, make no inquiry about him, but go on entertaining Foxy Monte, who has come into their circle disguised by full beard and another alias. Ever making the best of his condition, Goode has the jail refurnished and otherwise contributes to the comfort of the inmates. Upon leaving at expiration of his sentence, he invites the jailbirds to come and visit him at the first opportunity. Shifty Ed and his best girl, Shorty Sal, come to the Goode home to pay that visit just as Mr. Goode is entertaining a very fashionable house party, Monte in the number. Sal recognizes Monte, and he, realizing he is in danger, informs the hostess that Ed and Sal are notorious crooks. Then he persuades Evelina, whose hand has been refused him by Mr. Goode, to elope with him. It is at this point that Ed Ed and Sal make a big return for the kindness of Mr. Goode, and there is a thrilling finish.