The Manacled story
White-collar criminal Stephen Fontaine is being transported via train and tries to bribe his escorting police sergeant Rockwell for his freedom with $50,000. When they reach their final stop and Rockwell still has not accepted, Fontaine grabs for Rockwell's gun and kills him. Fontaine then discovers that the bullet damaged the key in Rockwell's pocket, and he cannot unlock the manacles. Directed by: Robert Stevens. Story by: A. Sanford Wolfe, Stirling Silliphant.
7 total · 1 choice · 4 major · 2 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| human nature | choice | Stephen learned that money isn't everything to everyone. Stephen spoke about the general human instinct for larceny and only fear of getting caught kept us in check. |
| bribery | major | Stephen offered Sergeant Rockwell a $50,000 bribe in exchange for his freedom. |
| duty vs. desire | major | Sergeant Rockwell was tempted with a $50,000 bribe to let Stephen go. |
| human vs. captivity | major | Stephen was trying to escape from his police escort. Rockwell and Stephen discussed to prospect of prison and it terrified Stephen. |
| law enforcement | major | Sergeant Rockwell was escorting his prisoner. |
| mother and son | minor | Little Billy's mother chided him for running around like a Wild West deputy on the train. |
| theft | minor | Stephen had stolen "from the rich", he said. |