Augustus Thomas had his greatest success with this four-act drama, produced by the Shuberts at the Hackett Theatre on 18 November 1907 for 212 performances. John Mason played Jack Brookfield, a gambler, who helps Clay, the son of a former love, when he is accused of murder. Jack learns that Clay is being framed by Hardmuth, a district attorney in love with Violet, Clay's fiancée. Employing telepathy, Jack believes he can persuade newspaper readers of Hardmuth's complicity in the recent murder of the governor. Hardmuth confronts Jack, who uses hypnosis to make him drop his gun. The truth is revealed and Clay is acquitted. Popular on tour, the play was adapted to the motion picture screen three times (1916, 1921, 1934).
The Historical Dictionary of the American Theater. James Fisher.