A Message from Mars (1913)

Ramiel, an inhabitant of Mars, having committed some misdemeanor, the God of Mars commands him to proceed to Earth and reclaim some selfish mortal. By means of a Crystal Globe, which reveals the actions of the happenings on Earth, the God of Mars has noticed one Horace Parker, a selfish person. He sees him pushing his way through a crowd watching a Punch and Judy show. Horace, when solicited to contribute a few pennies by the showman, refuses, shoving his way surlily onward. The God of Mars decrees that Ramiel must cure Horace of his selfishness before regaining favor in Mars. Horace, at home, settles down for a comfortable evening by the fire. He had promised to take his fiancée, Minnie, to a dance, but when she calls for him en route, she finds him in day clothes. She reproaches him for his thoughtless selfishness, and finally returns him the engagement ring. She goes to the dance with an escort who has called, Horace having failed her. Horace is now left at home, to read and ruminate. A tramp who is looking for work, comes to him with a letter of recommendation; he receives no help or sympathy from Horace, who turns him out of doors. Here the messenger from Mars appears. He tells Horace that he is going to change his character and make him a better man. Horace demurs, but by a series of arguments and electric shocks, he convinces him that he is in earnest. The messenger orders him out into the night and bids him perform some unselfish act. The Martian messenger, becoming exasperated and furious, strips him of his good clothes and leaves him shivering before the house where Minnie has become the belle of the party. Again the tramp appears upon the scene. This time he offers to help Horace, who stands in rags, starving, and gladly shares the crust that is offered him. Horace, overcome with emotion, suggests a partnership, and they try and make money opening the doors of the automobiles of the departing guests. Soon the real tramp becomes exhausted, Horace, at last alive to others' wants, picks him up and takes him to his home. The messenger, by this time satisfied that good work has been accomplished, changes him back into his ordinary apparel. Horace settles him in his own armchair, providing him with food and drink. The messenger returns to Mars, telling his Martian brother of the good work done. While Horace is attending to the needs of his new-found friend, the maidservant tells him that a fire has broken out. Horace at once dashes to the scene. The new Horace, not the old selfish one, saves the lives of three youngsters, and insists upon taking the entire homeless family back to his own establishment, treating them with sympathy and kindness, This generous action is witnessed by Ramiel and his brother Martians, who see the mission accomplished. Minnie and Horace once more brought together, and Horace replaces the discarded engagement ring.