The Fable of 'How Uncle Brewster Was Too Shifty For the Tempter'

Aunt Mahaley knew Uncle Brewster was sporty, and when he went to the city to pay off his mortgage she warned him about being too free with his coin. He visited Roger Talbot, holder of the mortgage, who handed him two cigars. Uncle Brewster was dying for a smoke, but he remembered what Aunt Mahaley told him about cutting down expenses, and traded the cigars for a couple of boiled eggs saving the price of lunch. At a fruit exhibit he filled his carpet bag, saving supper money. Before leaving the hotel he packed away everything in sight, so when he returned to Aunt Mahaley he was minus railroad fare but plus many towels and hotel souvenirs.

Directed by —, The Fable of 'How Uncle Brewster Was Too Shifty For the Tempter' leans on a strong ensemble — Frank Owens, Frank Dayton — 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 comedy titles of 1914.