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  • The Winning of Jess (1915)
  • Short | Short, Thriller
Primary photo for The Winning of Jess
The Winning of Jess (1915)
Short | Short, Thriller

Prosperous businessman Charles Robbins returns home one evening to find himself and his child deserted by his wife. Heartbroken, he decides to lead the hermit's life and goes to Arizona with his child. At the same, Arizona ranchers Mr. and...See moreProsperous businessman Charles Robbins returns home one evening to find himself and his child deserted by his wife. Heartbroken, he decides to lead the hermit's life and goes to Arizona with his child. At the same, Arizona ranchers Mr. and Mrs. Crosby lose their baby and grieve deeply. When Robbins reaches their home he places his baby on their doorstep, then hides until he sees them find her and take her into their home. They soon forget their late sorrow and accept the little one as a gift from heaven. Robbins goes deeper into the woods and builds himself a hut, wishing to watch over his daughter without revealing his identity. A lapse of five years shows the baby, now known as Jess Crosby, a lovable member of the family and the pet of the cowboys. One day she ventures too far into the woods and is attacked by a bear, but the ever-watchful father comes to her aid in time and kills the animal. The hermit is overwhelmed with thanks by the Crosbys and is invited to make his home with them but refuses. Ten years later Jess is wooed by Tom Gunn, a manly cowboy. One day while out walking with Tom she stumbles over a fallen tree at the brink of a ravine, falls and lodges unconscious in a tree on the ledge below and near the bottom. She is rescued by Gunn with Robbins' assistance; he had just reached the spot while hunting. Robbin kills a puma that is making its way toward Jess while Tom draws the unconscious girl up to safety with a lariat. Charles' brother William and nephew John decide to visit him and are made guests at the Crosbys'. John falls in love with Jess, displeasing Gunn, who calls him to task. Jess is angered at the intrusion and in retaliation promises her hand to John. Shortly after this, Gunn and the hermit are out on a hunt. Jess and John about the same time leave the ranch for a walk. In the woods they encounter a couple of pumas and run into the hermit's hut, chased by the pumas. The hermit and Gunn hear the girl's screams, hurry to the scene and rescue them. John has shown an evidence of cowardice which Jess notices and compares with the bravery of Gunn. John, left alone, also feels his unworthiness and goes to Gunn, offering to release Jess. Jess who has also gone to the hut, listens outside and hears John's talk. She is torn by conflicting emotions. While in this predicament a near tragedy is being enacted inside the hut. A puma, which had effected an entrance while all were absent, makes its presence known as it is about to spring on the hermit. John sees it in time to pull the hermit out of its way, and its leap lands it through the door into the open, and just by Jess, who screams in fright and terror. At this instance Crosby and William Robbins arrive while the hermit, Gunn and John come out of the hut. The brothers, the hermit and William Robbins, recognize each other, the hermit claims Jess as his daughter. Jess accepts John Robbins for her cousin and Tom Gunn for her husband. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Directors
Jack Bonavita (unconfirmed) | Frank Montgomery (unconfirmed)
Producer
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Dec 23, 1915

Release date
Dec 23, 1915 (United States)

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Cast

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8 cast members
Name Known for
Charles Gay
Sam Crosby Sam Crosby   See fewer
Jane Keckley
Mary Crosby - Sam's Wife Mary Crosby - Sam's Wife   See fewer
Patricia Palmer
Jess Crosby - The Foster Daughter (as Margaret Gibson) Jess Crosby - The Foster Daughter (as Margaret Gibson)   See fewer
Roy Watson
Tom Gunn - Jess' Sweetheart Tom Gunn - Jess' Sweetheart   See fewer
Jack Bonavita
Charles Robbins - Jess' Father Charles Robbins - Jess' Father   See fewer
Thomas P. Morrissey
William Robbins - Charles' Brother William Robbins - Charles' Brother   See fewer
John Oaker
John Robbins - William's Son John Robbins - William's Son   See fewer
Maxine Schneider
Baby Jess - Age 5 Baby Jess - Age 5   See fewer
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