The Derelict Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Derelict.
The Derelict Ending Explained: Loutish Teddy Brant feeling trapped by his marriage and family commitments to the sweet Rose and their infant daughter Helen fakes his suicide and embarks on a dissolute life. Directed by Carl Harbaugh, this 1917 drama film stars Stuart Holmes (Teddy Brant), alongside Wanda Hawley as Helen, Vinnie Burns as Claire, Dan Mason as Walt Collins. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Derelict?
Loutish Teddy Brant feeling trapped by his marriage and family commitments to the sweet Rose and their infant daughter Helen fakes his suicide and embarks on a dissolute life. Thinking herself free Rose remarries, and time passes contently. Years later, Teddy, now a hopeless derelict, wanders the country straying one night into the waiting room of a train station. He sees a young girl being accosted by an elderly gentleman who tries to entice her home. Teddy thinks nothing of the incident until he finds a purse lying on the seat and learns that the girl is his daughter Helen. Teddy hastens after them and in the ensuing fight, strangles Helen's assailant and then flees. Helen is arrested for the murder but is acquitted when Teddy staggers into the police station and confesses to the crime.
Carl Harbaugh's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Stuart Holmes (Teddy Brant)'s journey. Thinking herself free Rose remarries, and time passes contently.
How Does Stuart Holmes (Teddy Brant)'s Story End?
- Stuart Holmes: Stuart Holmes's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Wanda Hawley (Helen): Wanda Hawley's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Vinnie Burns (Claire): Vinnie Burns's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Derelict Mean?
The ending of The Derelict brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Stuart Holmes's story may not satisfy all audiences.