The Taint of Fear's primary photo
  • The Taint of Fear (1916)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Taint of Fear
The Taint of Fear (1916)
Short | Short, Drama

Bob's father had been too strict with him as a boy and had broken the boy's spirit. He grew up an apparently incurable coward. To please his father, he consents to join the National Guard. Then comes the fateful morning of July l3th, when ...See moreBob's father had been too strict with him as a boy and had broken the boy's spirit. He grew up an apparently incurable coward. To please his father, he consents to join the National Guard. Then comes the fateful morning of July l3th, when the troops are ordered to Mexico. Bob is ordered to join his regiment at once. One of his boyhood's companions, and ancient enemy, is a sergeant in his company. Tom continues the tactics which he used to employ against Bob when they were both children. He laughs at him before the men and asks him where his knitting is. Bob's best friend in the regiment is his horse. Orders come for the Seventh to locate Lopez and his guerrilla band. Tom, the sergeant, is ordered to take a squad and reconnoiter. While they are encamped that night, they are fired upon from a distance. The company is turned out, and they take up their position on a hill. Bob is seized with fear. He cowers behind his horse. Finally he mounts and rides off desperately, away from the fighting. The Mexicans and the Americans keep up a running fight. At last the Americans enter a town. The inhabitants flee before them, and hide in their huts. The Americans follow them and are soon surrounded by a superior force of guerrillas. Bob at last dismounts and hides in some bushes. Some Mexicans steal up on him as he stands with his face buried in the saddle, and strike him down from behind. When he recovers he finds that his manhood has returned to him. He rides for help at top speed. Then he leads the American soldiers to the town where their comrades are besieged. Bob is mortally wounded and falls from his horse. It is Tom who supports him. He dies. Then we see a vision of his father and mother, watching for their boy. His ghostly shade appears before them, and they hide their grief in each other's arms. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Director
Writer
Allen Holubar (scenario)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Dec 16, 1916

Release date
Dec 16, 1916 (United States)

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6 cast members
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