Doorsteps

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• 1916
• Drama

• Watchlist

• Watchlist

George Newlands, a young playwright in reduced circumstances, is forced to take lodgings with Mrs. Skipps, mistress of a badly kept furnished-room house. Doorsteps is the maid of all work and is so unaccustomed to kindness that she appreciates every word and thought of the newcomer, who is tolerant with her. She is an interesting character and her eccentric amusing personality creeps into George's play, which he is writing. He submits his play to a theatrical agency, and shortly after receives a check for live hundred dollars. Boyishly enthusiastic at the acceptance of his work, George leaves the shabby lodgings, with but a hasty good-bye to Doorsteps. Doorsteps is discharged that same day for a minor offense, and she is soon reduced to selling laces for a living. Tozer, a slum thief, is attracted to the girl and offers to marry her if she will help him in his stealing. Doorsteps, loyal to the memory of George, refuses. George, realizing what an inspiration the little servant was to him, tries to seek her out, but to no avail. Doorsteps tries her luck as an entertainer at the gallery entrance to a theater one evening. A theatrical manager sees her and offers her a position in a new revue that he is rehearsing. She scores a success in the revue and the following season is cast for the role of "Pierrot," sharing honors with the leading woman. The star is jealous of Doorsteps, and after an open break between the two women, Doorsteps is asked to go in order that the manager may keep the good will of the star. Despondent, she goes back to selling laces, and again Tozer sees her and annoys her. She turns him over to the police. About this time Doorsteps again sees George and overhears a conversation between him and the producer of his new play, Edmund Wade. They are having trouble selecting a girl for the role of the pickpocket and a plan forms in Doorsteps' mind. She goes to the home of Wade and by a clever ruse obtains admission. She steals Wade's watch and then asks him if she may have the part of the pickpocket, as she believes she can qualify, pulling out the watch. Believing she is a thief, Wade turns her over to the police. George enters and explains that she is a friend of his and frees her. Doorsteps is cast for the leading role in the new play and scores another triumph. Tozer, now out of prison, reads about the opening performance in the newspaper and plans revenge. He goes to the theater and comes upon the stage, revolver in hand, to attack Doorsteps, who was responsible for his imprisonment. The audience consider the struggle a realistic scene and applaud. But the author, George, knows differently and springs from his box to save the girl. He is wounded himself. During his illness he calls for Doorsteps and she comes to him after every performance to comfort and care for him. Finally Wade sends her to America to appear in a new production and she is forced to leave George before he has recovered from his delirium. She leaves a note, however, which he treasures. Two years later Doorsteps returns to England to find George in Mrs. Skipps' lodging house, poverty stricken and discouraged. Wade promises to put on George's latest play if Doorsteps will star in it, which means prosperity and happiness for the reunited lovers.