The Public Defender Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Public Defender.
The Public Defender Ending Explained: When bank president Leslie Morrison dips into the till, he seeks to place the blame on bank clerk David Moulton by altering the figures in Moulton's books. Directed by Burton L. King, this 1917 drama film stars Frank Keenan (Robert Murdock), alongside Alma Hanlon as Mary Reed, Robert Edeson as Arthur Nelson, John St. Polis as David Moulton. Rated 0/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Public Defender?
When bank president Leslie Morrison dips into the till, he seeks to place the blame on bank clerk David Moulton by altering the figures in Moulton's books. He lays his plan carefully, but upon leaving the building late one night, Morrison falls into an elevator shaft and is killed. Moulton, the one man known to have been there, is charged with murder and tried by district attorney Robert Murdock. Unable to afford a competent defense, Moulton is convicted and sentenced to die in an electric chair. However, Mary Reed, a stenographer who loves Moulton, appeals as a last resort to the newly elected public defender, Arthur Nelson. Nelson investigates the case and discovers evidence on the very eve of the execution, evidence that will warrant a stay. Rescued from death in the nick of time, Moulton is granted a new trial under the supervision of the public defender and is found innocent.
Burton L. King's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Frank Keenan (Robert Murdock)'s journey. He lays his plan carefully, but upon leaving the building late one night, Morrison falls into an elevator shaft and is killed.
How Does Frank Keenan (Robert Murdock)'s Story End?
- Frank Keenan: Frank Keenan's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Alma Hanlon (Mary Reed): Alma Hanlon's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Robert Edeson (Arthur Nelson): Robert Edeson's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Public Defender Mean?
The ending of The Public Defender brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Frank Keenan's story may not satisfy all audiences.