

A 40-minute silent melodrama where reputation burns faster than love.
A French woman has to marry a Russian to preserve the reputation of her society mother. However she is in love with someone else.
Costume
Edwardian excess on a budget—feathers, furs, and suffering.
Acting
Maude Fealy's face does everything the dialogue cards won't.
Director
Lawrence Marston
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Ouida's 1880 novel, already considered dated by 1913 audiences. The title refers to society figures drawn to flame-like scandal.
Maude Fealy was a major stage star making her screen transition here—her exaggerated expressions were literally designed for back row visibility, not close-ups.