Deemster (1917)

  • AllMovie Rating
  • User Ratings (0)
  • Your Rating

Share on

Synopsis by Janiss Garza

This long, nine-reel picture was based on the novel, The Deemster, by Hall Caine. The author's son, Derwent Hall Caine, plays the lead roll of Daniel Mylrea. Instead of following in the footsteps of his (screen) father, the Bishop of Man (Sidney Bracey), Daniel has decided to become a seaman, and his attentions to Mona (Marian Swayne) are not welcomed by her father, the Deemster (Albert Froom), who is the highest civil authority on the Isle of Man. Mona's brother Ewan (K. Barnes Clarendon) interrupts a clandestine meeting between the lovers and attacks Daniel. In the ensuing fight, Ewan is killed. Although the Deemster wants Daniel to be put to death, the Bishop instead banishes his son from the civilized portion of the island. A plague subsequently sweeps the settlement, and a monk travels over the channel with a cure. However, he dies in Daniel's little cabin, so Daniel puts on the monk's robes and takes care of the sick himself. The last of the medicine goes to cure the Deemster. This vindicates Daniel in the villagers' eyes, but he returns to his cabin nevertheless, followed by Mona.