The Target (1916) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A disgraced lawyer finds temporary refuge in Canada before returning home to a fatal reunion with his sick mother.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

A Reputation Unraveled

A respected Colorado lawyer lives with his elderly mother and earns public gratitude through his professional ability. His marriage collapses, and abandonment drives him toward drinking and disgrace.

Key Events

• Colorado Home — A lawyer lives in Colorado with his elderly mother. Location: Colorado
• Legal Reputation — His professional ability wins the gratitude of many people. Location: Colorado
• Marriage Begins — He marries an adventuress whose interest later wanes. Location: Colorado
• Abandoned Marriage — His wife leaves him after losing interest in the marriage. Location: Colorado
• Descent Into Drink — The failed marriage drives him to drink. Location: Colorado

The Price of Accusation

The lawyer is blamed for a killing committed by his law partner and receives a long prison sentence. He escapes with a cellmate and begins a new life in Canada.

Key Events

• Partner's Killing — He is blamed for a killing committed by his law partner. Location: Colorado
• Long Prison Sentence — The accusation results in a long prison sentence. Location: Prison
• Escape To Canada — He escapes to Canada with his prison cellmate. Location: Prison and Canada
• Trapping Fortune — The two escapees become wealthy through trapping. Location: Canada

Shelter After Disaster

The two trappers become wealthy before rescuing Nita, the sole survivor of a boating accident. They take her in, and a new emotional bond develops between Nita and one rescuer.

Key Events

• Boating Disaster — Nita is the sole survivor of a boating accident. Characters: Nita Location: A boating accident site
• Nita Rescued — The two trappers rescue Nita after the accident. Characters: Nita Location: Canada
• Nita Taken In — Nita is taken in by the two men. Characters: Nita Location: Canada
• Love Develops — Nita and one of her rescuers fall in love. Characters: Nita Location: Canada
• Marriage In Canada — Nita and her rescuer eventually marry. Characters: Nita Location: Canada
• Decision To Return — The other rescuer decides to return home to his mother. Location: Canada

A Homeward Tragedy

After Nita marries her rescuer, the other man decides to return to his mother. The sheriff shoots him near home, and he reaches his sick mother before both die.

Key Events

• Decision To Return — The other rescuer decides to return home to his mother. Location: Canada
• Approaching Home — The returning man approaches his former home. Location: Near his Colorado home
• Sheriff Intercepts Him — The town sheriff accosts him despite an old pledge of gratitude. Location: Town near the home
• Shot By Sheriff — The sheriff shoots him as he runs toward his home. Location: Outside the home
• Final Greeting — Although mortally wounded, he lives long enough to greet his sick mother. Location: The family home
• Mother Dies First — His sick mother dies just before he does. Location: The family home

Story Breakdown

• Colorado Foundations — The protagonist begins as a respected lawyer living with his elderly mother.
  • Motherly Home — He lives with his elderly mother in Colorado.
  • Legal Respect — His professional ability earns gratitude from many people.
• Marriage Collapse — His marriage fails when his wife's interest disappears.
  • Adventurous Marriage — He marries an adventuress.
  • Abandonment — His wife leaves him after losing interest.
• Descent And Blame — Personal loss and a criminal accusation destroy his former life.
  • Turn To Drink — The failed marriage drives him to drink.
  • Killing Accusation — He is blamed for a killing committed by his law partner.
• Prison Escape — A long sentence is followed by a dangerous escape northward.
  • Long Sentence — The accusation leads to a long prison term.
  • Canadian Flight — He escapes to Canada with his cellmate.
• Canadian Refuge — The escapees build prosperity through trapping.
  • Trapping Business — The two men become wealthy in the trapping business.
  • Temporary Stability — Canada provides a new life after imprisonment.
• Nita's Rescue — A boating catastrophe brings Nita into the trappers' household.
  • Sole Survivor — Nita survives a boating accident alone.
  • New Shelter — The two trappers rescue and take Nita in.
• Love And Marriage — Nita develops a romantic bond with one rescuer and eventually marries him.
  • Growing Affection — Nita and one rescuer fall in love.
  • Canadian Wedding — Nita and her rescuer eventually marry.
• Fatal Homecoming — The decision to return home culminates in a shooting and a final family farewell.
  • Sheriff's Attack — The sheriff shoots the returning man near his home.
  • Final Farewell — He greets his sick mother before she dies, followed by his own death.

Directed by

Norval MacGregor

Key Cast

• Hobart Bosworth — Big Bill Brent
• Jane Novak — Nita
• Anna Lehr — Mrs. Brent
• Robert N. Bradbury — Jack Taylor (as Ronald Bradbury)
• Maude George — Marian Moore