Transgression
Hal Page, the weakling brother of Stephen Page, the town mayor, falls in love with Carline Shrefton, who throws over Burt Staley to entangle Hal in her self-serving schemes. Furious over her abrupt departure, Staley shows up at Carline's, and a jealous fight with Hal ensues in which Staley is shot and killed with Carline's gun. After Hal confesses to the deed, Stephen quietly sends him off to Spain. One year later, Stephen announces his engagement to Marion Hayward, the daughter of the district attorney, who is pressing charges against James Reed, a corrupt politician and Carline's new husband. To save Reed, Carline threatens Stephen with exposure, but he refuses to bend to her demands. Just days before Carline is to reveal her story about Staley, Hal appears and confesses to Hayward that Carline is the true killer.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman is forced into a marriage of convenience with a wealthy older man, despite her true love for a penniless artist. As she navigates her unhappy marriage, she finds herself increasingly drawn into the moral and social complexities of her situation, leading to a dramatic confrontation with her husband and the potential loss of everything she holds dear.
Critical Reception
Information on the critical reception of 'Transgression' from 1917 is extremely scarce. Silent films of this era often received brief mentions in contemporary reviews, focusing on the performances and melodrama rather than deep thematic analysis. It is likely to have been viewed as a standard dramatic romance of its time.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its melodramatic storytelling and emotional performances.
- Considered a typical example of early 20th-century romantic dramas.
- Likely received positive attention for its exploration of societal pressures on women.
Google audience: Due to the film's age, specific Google user reviews are not available. However, based on the era's film trends, audiences likely appreciated the romantic entanglements and dramatic resolutions common in silent dramas.
Fun Fact
Viola Dana, who played the leading role, was a popular actress during the silent film era, known for her versatility in dramatic and comedic roles.
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