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This rough melodrama about a family of Kentucky moonshiners was directed, surprisingly, by the staid, British Charles J. Brabin. Maw Tolliver (Emily Fitzroy) is nothing but a drudge to her husband (Burr McIntosh) and four sons, all moonshiners. The fifth and youngest son, Tom (Charlie Mack), is the weakling of the clan. One of the older Tolliver boys, Lem (George Bancroft), attacks pretty Essie Hardin (Eleanor Fair) and kills her father when he tries to stop him. Even though Essie and Tom are in love, Lem declares he will marry her himself. Maw, however, refuses to let that happen. To get enough money to send Tom and Essie away, she informs the revenue officers about the still and gives the reward money to the couple. But Tom is believed to be the snitch, and the brothers swear revenge. When the authorities come to battle with the men, only one moonshiner is left alive. He returns to exact vengeance on Tom, but Maw stops him and allows the young man and Essie to escape.