Heritage (1920)

When Tony, an unscrupulous stable hand, is fired from his job, he decides to wreak vengeance upon his employer, theatrical producer Charles Suydam, by kidnapping Suydam's infant son Jit. After suffering years of abuse and overwork, Jit, who has been raised as Tony's son, decides to run away. He is befriended by Edward Brackett, an old actor who teaches the boy his craft. One day Jit reads for the juvenile lead in a play and, after many trials, is awarded the role. Charles Suydam, the manager of the company, recognizes Jit's talent and his long-lost son, and after many misfortunes the boy finally attains his birthright.