The End of the Run
Directed by Hal ClementsRufus Trent, engineer of the Fast Mail, is keenly attached to his old engine. When an order comes which results in his being assigned to a new locomotive, the old man is almost heart-broken. Billy Warren, Trent's fireman, is in love with Ruth, the engineer's daughter. He notices that the new engine is wearing the old man down, and later discovers that Trent's sight is rapidly falling. As a result of this only Billy's vigilance averts a serious accident. Billy urges Ruth to persuade her father to retire, but the old man angrily resents the suggestion that he is growing old. And more and more does the safety of the passengers depend upon Billy's alertness. An opportunity for promotion comes, but because it would take him from Trent, the fireman deliberately turns it down. One day, while Billy's attention is claimed by low steam pressure, the old man runs past a danger signal and almost derails the train. His fireman averts a terrible accident in the nick of time. The ignoring of the signal is reported and Trent and Billy are suspended. The facts become known, however, and Billy gets his promotion. He marries Ruth. Two years later he tells Trent, who has aged rapidly, of his new engine. The old man leaves the house to go to the roundhouse for the purpose of inspecting Billy's locomotive. He wanders into the junkyard and comes across his old locomotive, scrapped. Deeply affected, Trent climbs aboard his beloved engine and slides into the old familiar seat. There Billy and Ruth find him several hours later, head bowed on chest, hand on throttle, at the End of the Run.
Where to Watch The End of the Run
