In the late 1800s, magic lantern slide shows became popular both as a medium for entertainment and education. This series, "The Story of a Crime," tells the tale of a woman named Margaret Bell, "who is driven to drink, prison, and ultimately her death, by personal misfortune." Moral of the story: DO NOT GIVE IN TO THE DEMON DRINK. (Women.)
Meet Margaret. She is your average, happy mother, who spends two-thirds of her waking hours socializing with a baby.
On special days, her friend comes over and the two sit in a picturesque alley where they engage in such thrilling activities such as mending and sewing.
Sometimes, as is natural for the weak female heart, she pines for her husband, who is off at sea, drinking whiskey and carousing with his fellow sailors.
When woman is alone, woman is emotional. It is a shortcoming of her sex.
BUT BEWARE. For danger lies ahead for the woman who succumbs to demon drink.
It takes but a few sips before Margaret has neglected her household duties; she passes out, judgement so poor that she has mistaken a wooden box for a bed pillow.
Several hours later, Margaret's sister comes by — as she does daily — to drop off Margaret's nephew, Edwin, so that she may provide more child care. Edwin is the first to see Marge in her drunken state. For shame, Margaret!
Children should not be left alone with women infected with demon drink.
Because ALL WILL DIE.
Now they are dead.
Margaret, however, manages to come back from death's door. Yet she awakens in jail, imprisoned for MURDER.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the face of a murderess.
And NOW she is dead.
