Disinherited by his grandfather for engaging himself to Mary Graham without his consent, Martin Chuzzlewit is spurned by his uncle, Anthony Chuzzlewit, his cousin, Jonas, and the rest of his avaricious relatives. Mark Tapley, sweetheart of the widow Lupin, who keeps the Blue Dragon Inn, induces young Martin to go with him to America, where they will make their fortunes. Seth Pecksniff curries favor with old Martin, and Jonas Chuzzlewit, believing that Pecksniff will inherit the estate, strikes a bargain to marry Seth's daughter, Mercy. Anthony Chuzzlewit's health is bad, but he does not die soon enough to suit Jonas, so the latter poisons him. How the crime was fastened upon Jonas, and how young Martin came back from America to win his grandfather's favor and the hand of Mary Graham, are the closing scenes of this drama.
—Moving Picture World synopsis