Roy Glenister and Dextry are gold miners who strike it rich in Nome, Alaska until their claim is “jumped”, seemingly by legal means and by powerful politicians, crooked lawyers, and a judge. The political establishment seems too powerful to fight. How can they get their claim (and money) back from a mafia-like organization in frontier Alaska?

Roy is an honest man driven by frustration, despair, and disappointment, and loves to do things he never thought he would. How can he fight an organization that has the law in its pocket? There is “law” and then there is “frontier law.”

The story is based on actual events in Nome during the heyday of the Alaska gold rush.

Originally published in 1906.

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Many of O. Henry’s stories describe cultural issues of the day, and many incorporate themes relevant to our modern times. This anthology was specially selected for this purpose. It includes the story performances and introduces the telling of each story by describing its relevance and explaining some of the references that might not be familiar to modern-day audiences.

Opening Credits

Anthology Introduction

“The Guilty Party” (19:10)—O. Henry’s opinion on violent crimes committed by minors

“A Municipal Report” (51:39)—A character’s evolution of thinking on race

“Elsie in New York” (23:29)—Exploitation of women

“The Adventures of Shamrock Jolnes” (15:27)—A fun poke at the Sherlock Holmes stories

“The Hiding of Black Bill” (35:52)—A story about the limits of trust and friendship

“Vanity and Some Sables” (18:27)—Image consciousness analogous to social media

“The Trimmed Lamp” (33.29)—Social competition, again analogous to social media

“The Duplicity of Hargraves” (38:46)—Honor, image, and defeating racist stereotypes

“Past One at Rooney’s” (37:29)—A story of love at first sight, in spite of initial deception

“Shearing the Wolf” (17:06)—One good con deserves another

“The Gift of the Magi” (16:40)—A classic tale of faith, love, and generosity

“The Ransom of Red Chief” (30:39)—Boy outplays his kidnappers

“The Cop And The Anthem” (19:08)—One man’s solution to homelessness

“Memoirs Of A Yellow Dog” (14:34)—Loving dogs, then as now

“The Last Leaf” (20:21)—A story of faith, generosity, and sacrifice, helping a young woman overcome a deadly illness

Closing Credits

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Lord Harrowby came to Lloyds of London with a most unusual request. He wanted to ensure that nothing would prevent his imminent wedding and expected a big policy payout if things didn’t work out. It was insurance man Dick Minot’s responsibility to make sure everything worked smoothly. Trouble is, Dick Minot fell in love with the bride! What to do?

Hilarity ensues as Dick tackles one crisis after another with a conflicted heart in this 1914 farcical romantic comedy. Kidnapping, jewelry heists, blackmail, past infidelity—all trying to foul up the works in a tropical paradise. Written by the world-famous creator of Chinese detective Charlie Chan!

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