Other Men's Women

Bill, a railroad engineer, has no intention of getting married and settling down. When Marie, a waitress in the depot cafe, reminds him that they are supposed to get married that weekend, he pretends to have something else to do. She is angry and breaks off their relationship, much to Bill's relief. When Bill is thrown out of his boardinghouse for drunkenness and non-payment of rent, Jack, his partner, brings him home. Bill thinks that Jack's wife Lily will hate him because he is drunk, but she welcomes him and makes him comfortable. For a time the three of them are happy together, but one day, while Jack goes out for ice cream, Bill and Lily acknowledge that they love one another. Bill wants to tell Jack right away, but Lily is afraid to hurt him. Bill moves out, without saying why, although Jack suspects the worst. That night at work, Jack and Bill argue over Lily, and in the ensuing fight, Jack is blinded. When the river floods, Bill decides to try to dam it by driving his train engine over the bridge. He knows it will mean his death, but he cannot bear to cause Jack any more grief. Jack learns of his plans and takes his place, believing that his blindness makes him a burden to Lily. Bill tries to stop him, but Jack drives the train onto the bridge and dies. Months later, Lily returns from her home town. Now that their love is possible, Bill happily returns to work. (Verleiher-Text)