The Pretender Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

The Pretender Ending Explained: After Bob Baldwin is fired for playing too many jokes on the tenderfoot owner of the Diamond K Ranch, he sets out for the nearby town of Freloe Beanos and meets Percival Longstreet on the way. Directed by Clifford Smith, this 1918 comedy film stars William Desmond (Bob Baldwin), alongside Ethel Fleming as Dolly Longstreet, Eugene Burr as Othelo Actwell, Joseph Franz as Percival Longstreet. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.

What Happens at the End of The Pretender?

After Bob Baldwin is fired for playing too many jokes on the tenderfoot owner of the Diamond K Ranch, he sets out for the nearby town of Freloe Beanos and meets Percival Longstreet on the way. Percival has been seriously injured in an accident and is therefore unable to assume his duties as the town's new schoolmaster. Distressed, Percival confesses that he and his sister Dolly, who is en route to the town, are doomed to starve, which so moves Bob that he agrees to serve as the schoolmaster during Percival's convalescence.

Clifford Smith's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on William Desmond (Bob Baldwin)'s journey. Percival has been seriously injured in an accident and is therefore unable to assume his duties as the town's new schoolmaster.

How Does William Desmond (Bob Baldwin)'s Story End?

William Desmond: William Desmond's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
Ethel Fleming (Dolly Longstreet): Ethel Fleming's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Eugene Burr (Othelo Actwell): Eugene Burr's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Pretender Mean?

The ending of The Pretender brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of William Desmond's story may not satisfy all audiences.