A one-legged safe-cracker walks into a church and actually reforms? 1923 said YES.
The title is also the moniker of a renowned safe-cracker, Slippy McGee, who has always managed to evade capture until his latest job, when he is wounded. He escapes aboard a freight train, bound for parts unknown, and finds himself in the town of Appleborro. There, he is discovered and cared for by Father De Rance and Mary Virginia. His leg is amputated, and during his recovery in Appleborro, the town's influence causes him to reform.
Acting
Wheeler Oakman's physical transformation post-amputation
Direction
Wesley Ruggles balancing grit and grace in 70 minutes
Production
Authentic freight-train escape sequences, no fakes
Director
Wesley Ruggles
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on a popular 1917 novel; Colleen Moore was already a massive star, making this her 'prestige' silent era moment.
This is pure 1920s 'crook reform' propaganda—Prohibition era loved stories where crime didn't pay, especially with religious intervention.
US
