- The story opens in the office of a theatrical manager beset by people who wish engagements and they are unceremoniously turned down without a hearing. Professor Gessner, an aged musical composer, insists that he see the man in charge. He is shown into the inner sanctum and offers the showman an opera he has composed. The manager scans it with contempt, but finally becomes interested as he observes its worth. The next day he calls on the old musician and buys the composition. The old professor is overjoyed, but his pride asserts itself and it is only after the manager goes out that he gives vent to his feelings, hugging his small son, Carl, in his ecstasy of joy. The sale means food for them and the boy shares in his father's satisfaction. Professor Gessner is wrapped up in his work and is engaged to direct the orchestra in the rendition of the musical score. There is a scene in the rehearsal room of the theater and the aged musician has just finished conducting the piece. He is overjoyed and the excitement proves too much for him in his weakened condition, and he staggers to a chair and expires. The manager is in despair. The curtain is about to be rung up and the failure means ruin. The boy, Carl, is present and rushes to his father inconsolable in his grief. The manager paces the floor perplexed and the boy, realizing the situation, offers to conduct the opera. The manager is astonished, but the child assures him that he is conversant with the music, and his fears are allayed in a measure. Coming before the curtain the manager announces that, owing to the death of the composer, his son would direct the music and the opera proceeds, the child with breaking heart wielding the baton and directing the large orchestra. After the performance the manager and the boy are met at the stage door where they receive the congratulations of performers and friends. The manager adopts the boy and the story closes with a vision of the old musician dying as the manager places his protégé in bed.—Moving Picture World synopsis
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