The Blood Red Tape of Charity

The Blood Red Tape of Charity is a 1913 American silent short drama film written, directed and starring by Edwin August and produced by Pat Powers. August wrote the scenario with the intent to highlight the evils of organized charity while entertaining the viewers. The film focuses on William Weldon, a telegraph lineman who is injured on the job and cannot work for several weeks. The family seeks aid from charity organizations, but red tape regulations prevent the family from receiving timely assistance. A gentleman thief named Marx decides to do one last job for the benefit of the family. Marx forces a doctor to treat the Weldons invalid daughter Alice before proceeding to rob a charity balls attendees. Marx pawns the stolen articles and saves the family before turning himself into the police.

The films plot survives because of Universals publication of the details in Moving Picture News. The official description is as follows, Charity, through excessive organization, often defeats its own purpose. William Weldon, a telegraph lineman, is the father of a large family, and finds it a hard struggle to make ends meet on his small wages. By a fall from a telegraph pole one afternoon he sustains injuries which force a layoff for several weeks. His family is left destitute and, after a time, seek aid from various charity organizations. In each case the organization promises to make a full investigation and do what they can, but by the time all the red tape and rules are complied with, the family would starve. In the meantime, Marx, a gentleman thief who has a secret retreat in the same building in which the Weldon family live, meets the invalid daughter, Alice Weldon. She tells him of the familys condition and Marx endeavors to aid her, although at the time he is out of ready cash himself. Taking desperate measures, he holds up a doctor and forces him to attend to Weldon. Then, in company with the female leader of the gang, he attends the charity ball. There he makes a haul plucking jewelry and trinkets from every one with whom he comes in contact. He pawns the stolen articles and uses the money to help the Weldons. After the family has recovered, through Marxs aid, the charity organizations finally send a few dollars and a skimpy supply of food. Marx decides to reform in fact, his reformation has been intended for some time, and his last job was only the outcome of his desire to do a worthy charity. He goes to the police, declares himself, and surrenders. Marx is sentenced, and while sitting in his cell a vision of Alice appeared before him, repaying him for his sacrifice and charity.It is possible that Mary Charleston was a part of the cast due to the Edwin August having been noted as working with her in Powers productions. ........

Source: Wikipedia