'A fine dramatic story was unfolded in the picture entitled "The road to ruin". which is descriptive, it is said, of social life in Melbourne. By lucky speculations Norman Harding, a young share-broker, son of Sir Gerald Harding, a local magnate, amasses wealth: but not content with his good fortune, he hankers for more riches, only to be loaded with financial responsibilities and to become, with his companions, the subject of scandal throughout the city and suburbs. Harding is enamoured of a celebrated dancer: but, faced with heavy social expenses, he is on the brink of ruin, as also are a few of his set. As his sister Elsie is fond of a bank clerk, Harold Henderson, Harding appeals to him, in his position as ledger-keeper at an important bank asking him to hold a cheque for a few days until he can arrange to meet it. At first Henderson refuses, but finally agrees. After an introduction to the "smart set," Henderson is dazzled by the brilliance of a worldly life. Entrapped in the meshes of clever men of the world, he soon becomes involved to the extent of thousands of pounds to the bank without benefiting a penny himself. He appeals to Harding and his friends to find the amount of his defalcations, but they refuse and demand further accommodation. Driven almost to desperation, death seems to be the only alternative, but in the nick of time his mother learns the truth. Sir Gerald Harding makes good the amount to the bank and a scandal is averted. Norman Harding is turned out of his home and Henderson is later married to the woman he loves and leaves Australia to commence a new life abroad.'
Source:
'Ideal Theatre', Morning Bulletin, 22 July 1915, p.5.
