The Little Samaritan (1917)

Lindy Gray, a little orphan who lives with her grandmother, is ostracized by the townspeople because of the uncertainty of her birth. In spite of cruel treatment by her neighbors and the threat of foreclosure on her grandmother's home, Lindy maintains a cheerful optimism. One day, a new minister comes to town and befriends Lindy, recognizing her virtue. Lindy convinces him to hire Noah, an old Black man who is Lindy's only other friend, as the church sexton. When the collection money is missing the day after Lindy's grandmother's mortgage is due, the townspeople accuse the little girl of robbery. To save his friend, Noah confesses to the crime. The minister suspects that neither one is guilty, however, and uncovers evidence that proves that Jim, the son of the town snob, is the thief. After a stirring sermon in which he chastises his congregation for their narrow-mindedness, the minister proposes to Lindy.