Synopsis

Old Joel Smith is charged with murder in the first degree. At the trial he pleads in opposition to his own lawyers. He explains that he is now too old to be of any assistance to his widowed daughter and grandchildren, who are dependent on him for support. He says he prefers death to a life of poverty and wretchedness. In telling the judge and jury his pathetic story (which is shown on the screen) old Joel betrays a love for his grandchildren and his fellow laborers that is poignant with pathos. He tells how he had been sent by the men to tell the boss that they were dissatisfied. Athough Joel was a favorite with the boss, his representations while listened to with respect were productive of nothing. His employer simply said, that if he raised salaries to meet the present "high cost of living" he would be compelled to close up shop. Whan they receive the answer from the boss, the men vote to strike, much against Joel's advice, and although he liked his boss, Joel is with the majority and walks out with his fellows. A long period of lean days ensue. Joel's grandchildren and widowed daughter are starving. He is too proud to beg. He goes to the headquarters of the strikers and finds them all drinking and carousing. This is too much for Joel. He announces his intention of going back to work. One of the ironworkers calls him a coward. All of the old man's pent-up anger comes to the surface, and before he knows it, he has killed the insulter. The jury weeps at the old man's pathetic story; they cannot find heart to convict him.