Mr. Barry's Etchings - Acting Edition

THE STORY: Judson Barry is an enthusiastic etcher, and as a pastime had made a marvelous imitation of a $50 bill. Barry would never think of doing anything dishonest but his town has been in the hands of political jugglers and is in financial difficulties. All the worthy causes, hospitals, etc., are suffering, and Barry realizes that unless something is done his town will soon be at the mercy of grafters. Out of the goodness of his heart he distributes his counterfeit bills to the good causes in need of money, including a political campaign to drive out the crooks. At once the town responds and is on the way to recovery when a pair of counterfeiters make their way into Barry's home and propose a partnership whereby he shall supply the bills and they will circulate them. Barry is shocked and turns them over to the police. But this brings about the discovery that Barry has been circulating counterfeits. His friends rally to his defense, but Barry is determined to accept his punishment. Meantime, a movie executive offers him a huge sum for the story of his life. The only condition on which Barry will accept is that the magnate give him the equivalent in good money of the counterfeits he has distributed, plus 10%. Barry will then offer for all counterfeits returned to him good money, plus a 10% bonus. So, all ends happily including Barry's stipulation that whatever legal penalty is imposed upon him he will cheerfully accept. In fact, he looks forward to a short jail term in peace and quiet.