A minister, a drunk, and a fake scandal walk into 1917...
In their small-minded New England village Liz and her alcoholic father are rejected by the townspeople. When the new minister, Henry Penfield, comes to town he is attracted to Liz. Also arriving on the same train is young artist Arnold Brice. He takes a fancy to the prettiest girl in town, Mildred Holcombe who is the daughter of a deacon of the church. Mildred and Arnold fall in love, but her brother Arthur threatens to kill the artist if he finds them together. Heedless of Arthur's threats, Mildred goes to Arnold's studio, however Liz sees Arthur following and runs to the studio to warn them. Upon Arthur arrival Liz makes it seem it was she having an affair with Arnold. The deacons plan to banish Liz but Henry discovers the truth, resigns and announces his engagement to Liz.
Acting
Mary Miles Minter's expressive face carries the entire emotional weight.
Production
Surviving fragments hint at ambitious location shooting for 1917.
Director
James Kirkwood
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mary Miles Minter was 16 during filming; her career ended after director William Desmond Taylor's 1922 murder scandal.
Part of 1910s 'uplift' melodramas where fallen women could redeem themselves through sacrifice—progressive for its era, patronizing now.
US
