The Coming Power

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• 1914
• Drama

• Watchlist

• Watchlist

Frank Norman, a young idealist and radical, gains fame and popularity through his speeches, which are inspired by the writings of a young crippled girl, Ruth, who spends her life in an endeavor to bring justice before the eyes of a corrupt political city. Norman is elected candidate for governor upon the Radical ticket. Carter, a financier known as "The Vulture," wishes to control the actions of the possible Governor, but Norman is above bribery. Several clever ruses are resorted to in an attempt to compromise him and place him in Carter's hands, but without success. Vera, the daughter of Carter's cats-paw, who has met and fallen in love with Norman, is persuaded to use her influence to make Norman accept the bribe. Upon the realization of Norman's contempt for her the girl's better nature is roused and she warns him against his enemies, thus becoming a friend of both Ruth and Norman. Carter, furious at being balked in his designs, plans a frame-up which will place Norman safely in jail and disqualify him in the election. The frame-up is successful; the shooting of a gangster in a saloon being attributed to Norman, who, though realizing that he is in the hands of "The Vulture," is unable to protect himself. The wounded gangster is placed in a hospital under strict supervision of the politicians, who allow no one to see him. Resorting to a strategy Norman's political manager, accompanied by the cats-paw's daughter Vera, manages to reach the gangster, obtaining a statement exonerating Norman. Norman is at once released, while a wholesale arrest is made of his enemies. The death of "The Vulture" occurs dramatically when he is confronted by an ex-bookkeeper, an innocent victim who has been railroaded to jail and returned for revenge. The shock causes heart failure, which is fatal. Norman is elected Governor, but the night of his triumph is saddened by the death of Ruth, who, before dying, indicates her desire to have Vera and Norman marry. A wonderful vision appears to Ruth in which she sees Justice prevail at last for the working man, and Truth and Honesty in politics.