The Hour of Truth by Percival Wilde

Percival Wilde (1887-1953) was an American author and playwright from New York City who wrote novels, short stories, and one-act plays. After graduating from Columbia University in 1906, he worked as a banker before beginning his writing career in 1912.

His plays were especially popular in the Little Theatre Movement. "The Hour of Truth" demonstrates his craftsmanship, observing the three classical unities of time, place, and action with a rapidly developing climax that ends with a pleasant surprise.

Setting the Scene

The Baldwin Family

• Robert Baldwin - honest bank employee

• Martha - his wife

• John - their 27-year-old son

• Evie - their daughter

The family anxiously awaits Baldwin's return after meeting with his boss, Mr. Gresham, who has been arrested for bank fraud.

The Moral Dilemma

Baldwin's Testimony

• Baldwin is the only witness against Gresham

• He discovered Gresham's fraud just before the bank collapsed

• Baldwin forced Gresham to close the bank

• His testimony will send Gresham to jail

Baldwin faces a crucial test of his honesty and integrity as he prepares to testify against his longtime friend and employer.

The Temptation

Gresham's Offer

• $100,000 in thousand-dollar bills

• Baldwin only needs to say "I don't remember" in court

• Gresham claims it's compensation for years of underpayment

• The money is from Gresham's private fortune

Baldwin proudly tells his family he refused the bribe, seeing it as a compliment that Gresham knew he wouldn't accept it.

Family Pressure

The Family's Reaction

• John is embarrassed to share Gresham's name

• Martha reminds Baldwin of their son's baptism

• Evie suggests people will call Baldwin a traitor

• They argue no one will lose money if Gresham goes free

Instead of supporting Baldwin's honesty, his family tries to convince him to take the bribe and let Gresham go free.

The Employment Concern

Baldwin's Future

• Baldwin has been unemployed since the bank closed

• At his age, finding a new job is difficult

• The Third National Bank refused to hire him

• John suggests Gresham might offer him a partnership

The family uses Baldwin's employment struggles to further pressure him into accepting the bribe money.

Baldwin's Moral Crisis

Internal Struggle

• Baldwin recognizes taking the money is dishonorable

• He calls his family "Shams! Liars! Hypocrites! Thieves!"

• He admits he refused partly fearing their judgment

• John insists no one outside the family would know

Baldwin is deeply ashamed of his family's greed and his own wavering principles as he considers the temptation.

The Unexpected Visitor

Mr. Marshall Arrives

• Mr. Marshall is President of the Third National Bank

• His arrival interrupts the family's tense discussion

• Martha warns Baldwin to be careful what he says

• The family is nervous about this unexpected visit

Just as Baldwin seems to be weakening under family pressure, Mr. Marshall arrives with surprising news.

The Hour of Truth

Gresham's Confession

• Marshall offers Baldwin a position at Third National

• Gresham has confessed to his crimes

• Gresham knew Baldwin would never lie in court

• Baldwin's integrity is recognized and rewarded

Marshall reveals that Gresham paid Baldwin "the supreme compliment" by confessing rather than facing Baldwin's honest testimony.

Key Themes and Lessons

Moral of the Story

• Integrity is ultimately rewarded

• Standing firm against temptation brings respect

• Even those who pressure us to compromise may secretly admire our principles

• True character is revealed in moments of difficult choices

The play demonstrates how "The Hour of Truth" reveals a person's true character and how maintaining one's principles, even when difficult, leads to respect and recognition.