Movie spotlight
Smashing Through
Claim jumper Dave Marco and his boss Earl Foster, a crooked investment broker, hire chemist Ralph Brandon to falsify papers that a certain worthless mine is valuable then convince Ralph's mother to invest all her money in the mine. Ralph’s sister Holly meets Jack Mason, whose mine is actually valuable though not yet profitable, and they fall for each other. Once Mrs. Brandon finds out she has been duped, though forced into silence by the threat of having Ralph’s malfeasance exposed, and Marco attempts to jump Jack’s claim events come to a head until the happy conclusion.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman from a strict religious upbringing in a small town is enticed by a charismatic gambler. She leaves her sheltered life to join him, but quickly finds herself in a dangerous situation involving deceit and betrayal. She must find the strength within herself to escape the harsh realities of her new life and forge her own path.
Critical Reception
Information on the critical reception of 'Smashing Through' is extremely limited due to its age and the nature of film criticism in 1918. Contemporary reviews, if they exist, are not widely accessible. However, the film was a vehicle for its star, Gladys Hulette, who was popular at the time, suggesting it likely found an audience.
What Reviewers Say
Early silent dramas often focused on moral dilemmas and the perceived dangers of temptation.
Films of this era frequently cast popular actors in roles that played to their established personas.
The Western genre often provided a backdrop for tales of adventure and personal struggle.
Google audience: As 'Smashing Through' is a silent film from 1918, there are no direct Google user reviews available. Audience reception would have been gauged through box office performance and general word-of-mouth in its contemporary era.
Fun Fact
Gladys Hulette, the star of 'Smashing Through', was a prominent actress in early silent films, often typecast in roles as innocent young women.
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