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The Step-Father

1930 , Ampleforth (North Yorkshire)

Cat no. 2551

A widow's deliberation over two suitors has tragic consequences.

Amateur filmmaker, cinema historian and railway engineer H.A.V. Bulleid presents a tale of paternal foreboding and rural tragedy. When a man dies, his widow seeks a suitable replacement to care for her and their son. Torn between two rival suitors - Dr. Vincent Moire and the mysterious Richard Grafton - the mother is unable to make a decision, despite her son expressing a clear preference for the doctor. When he is called away to town, Grafton seizes his opportunity and, wanting rid of the boy so that he might live with the mother in peace, shoves him over a cliff to his death. But when Grafton returns to the village, he spots the doctor - who has made an unexpected return - walking arm in arm with the widow. Distraught and defeated, Grafton claws at his neck and face in desperation, reaches into his jacket, pulls out a gun and kills himself.

Keywords

Drama; Tragedy; Violence; Widows

  • Maker : H. A. V. Bulleid

  • Director : H. A. V. Bulleid

  • The Widow M.R. Loftus

  • The Son R.R. Witham

  • Dr. Vincent Moire W.B. Murray

  • Richard Grafton T.C. Grey

  • The Padre Father Oswald Vanheems (credited as 'Rev. O. Vanheems')

  • The Child with the Wood B. Mawson

  • Acolyte Julian Asquith, 2nd Earl of Oxford and Asquith (credited as 'Lord Oxford')

  • Acolyte E. Waddilove

  • Acoltye P. Ryan

  • V. McNally

  • The Father Cyril Lewis Forbes (credited as C.L. Forbes)

  • Nurse G.St.L. King

  • Acolyte F. Philip Equator

Manifestations

The Step-Father

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