What Happens at the End of More Trouble?

Lemuel Deering's son Harvey graduates from college at the top of his class, then returns home to become a partner in his father's steel business. Because Harvey appears to be an exemplary young man who neither drinks nor smokes, when bills from liquor dealers, tobacconists, and billiard emporia pour in, the proud father is mystified. Harvey stoutly denies having contracted the bills, including one for $25,000, and Lemuel, though puzzled, believes him until the workers threaten to strike and the bank places an attachment on the mill. Lemuel is about to disown his son when Harold Morrowton, Harvey's college roommate, confesses that he forged Harvey's name to the bills because his own father refused to give him spending money, and Harvey adds that because the two were fraternity brothers, he could not betray Harold's trust. Exasperated, Lemuel orders both young men to pay their debts through hard labor in the mill.

Ernest C. Warde's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Frank Keenan (Lemuel Deering)'s journey. Because Harvey appears to be an exemplary young man who neither drinks nor smokes, when bills from liquor dealers, tobacconists, and billiard emporia pour in, the proud father is mystified.

How Does Frank Keenan (Lemuel Deering)'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.
• John Gilbert (Harvey Deering): John Gilbert's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Ida Lewis (Mrs. Deering): Ida Lewis's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of More Trouble Mean?

The ending of More Trouble brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Frank Keenan's story may not satisfy all audiences.