Open Places
Summary
A poignant exploration of frontier idealism colliding with stark reality, "Open Places" unfurls the harrowing odyssey of Mollie Andrews, a spirited New England educator venturing into the untamed expanse of Rawhide, Montana. Initially captivated by the rugged allure and perceived chivalry of Dan Clark, a figure emblematic of the West's wild charm, Mollie succumbs to a whirlwind romance, only to discover the brutal, untamed heart beneath the veneer. Clark's descent into savagery, culminating in a cold-blooded slaying and subsequent flight across the Canadian border, shatters Mollie's romantic illusions, casting her into a solitary year of profound disillusionment. During this crucible of time, a tender, unspoken bond blossoms with Constable Calhoun of the Royal Mounted Police, a man whose steadfast integrity and quiet devotion offer a stark contrast to Clark's volatility. Yet, Mollie, bound by an archaic sense of marital fidelity, resists the burgeoning affection, even as it ripens into a deep, mutual love. The narrative reaches its dramatic zenith with Clark's unexpected return, forcing a tragic confrontation. Mollie, clinging to a desperate hope for peace, extracts a solemn vow from Calhoun: no harm shall befall Clark unless he instigates violence. Inevitably, the untamed beast within Clark resurfaces; consumed by jealous fury and false accusations, he assaults Calhoun. The ensuing struggle, a brutal dance of fate on the harsh frontier, culminates in Clark's demise, liberating Mollie from her agonizing marital shackles and paving the path for a future illuminated by Calhoun's unwavering love.
Synopsis
Mollie Andrews is a little New England school teacher who goes out to Rawhide, Montana, to "teach the west" its manners. She is of romantic nature, and the picturesque statue and habits of Dan Clark impress her deeply. She marries him. Clark is a bad man at heart. He treats Mollie brutally after the first blush of honeymooning; then slays one of his own kind, and escapes across the border to Canada. The year that passes teaches Mollie some things about mankind she never knew before. One was to appreciate Constable Calhoun, of the Royal Mounted Police, who occasionally called on her, as a real friend. But though their mutual regard for each other ripens finally into love, Mollie remains true to her husband. When he turns up again she exacts a promise from Calhoun, on the strength of his love for her, that he will not harm Clark until the latter strikes the first blow. The beast within Clank still runs amok, however, and he attacks the policeman, unjustly accusing him of undue attentions to Mollie. A struggle ensues in which Clark falls dead. Thus Mollie is released from her marriage vows, and her future brightens with Calhoun awaiting her.
