A Midas of the Desert

When a malaria epidemic breaks out, miserly store owner Jed Thompson exploits the situation by selling essential quinine capsules at an exorbitant price to the local gold miners. He refuses credit to miner Ray Knowles, whose father is sick. Jed’s daughter Dora, however, gives Ray some capsules. For this Jed banishes her to work in the mines. When she falls ill with the disease, he withholds the medication and wandering in delirium she is taken in by the Knowles. Rallying the other miners, they cast Jed out into the desert where he perishes, imagining all around him has turned to gold.

Directed by Walter Edwards, A Midas of the Desert leans on a strong ensemble — Walter Edwards, Betty Burbridge, Alfred Hollingsworth — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1915.