Down upon the Suwannee River

"Dr. William Ruble, whose atheism earns him the dislike of the townspeople of Fairburn, elopes with Mary Norwood. Davis Norwood, Mary's father, is infuriated by this, and with the help of a gang of thugs, drags Mary back to his house and the church. Norwood's son Robert is addicted to gambling and steals money for his habit from his parents. Ruble wins the cash back for him but is caught trying to replace the money by Norwood who accuses him of theft. Robert does not explain the situation and Ruble leaves town. While he is away on a fishing boat, Mary gives birth to a son and she is disowned by her family. This disgrace drives her to attempt suicide. An elderly African American helper of Ruble rescues her. Ruble returns to Mary and the church and all are reconciled."
""Bill Ruble, whose atheism earns him the dislike of his fellow townspeople, elopes with Mary Norwood. Bill is falsely accused of theft and leaves town, signing up as a deckhand on a ship sailing around the world. A baby is born to Mary in Bill's absence, and she is disowned by friend and neighbor alike. She attempts to drown herself in the river, but an old Negro rescues her. Mary returns home and finds Bill there. He has become a true believer and a member of the church during his travels, and he and Mary are happily reunited"--AFI catalog, 1921-1930."@en