Movie spotlight
On the Stroke of Three
Lafayette Jordan (Davis), financier, plans to inundate Caribou Canyon and turn it into a reservoir, but the villagers will not sell him their land. Among the resentful villagers is Judson Forrest (Harlan), who wants to be an inventor. Mary Jordan (Bellamy), daughter of the financier, is hurt and spends a night at his home. Learning of his attitude toward her father, she poses as a domestic at the Jordan home. Later, in New York, Judson looks her up. He is trying to sell his invention and, to get funds, he mortgages his home. The village banker, in league with Jordan, sells the financier the mortgage, and a foreclosure threatens when Jordan's business agent Henry Mogridge (Miljan) double-crosses Judson. The youth thinks Mary working against him. Friends come to Judson's aid and he pays off the mortgage in the nick of time. He learns that Jordan knew nothing of the methods employed by his agent and that Mary loves him.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young boy, Billy, is left in the care of his guardian, who is secretly plotting to steal his inheritance. When the guardian's scheme is discovered, a detective gets involved to unravel the mystery and protect Billy from further harm. The narrative builds suspense towards a critical moment at three o'clock, where the truth is expected to be revealed.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1924, contemporary critical reception is difficult to pinpoint with modern metrics. However, films of this era often relied on straightforward storytelling and melodramatic elements, which this film appears to possess. It likely served as standard entertainment for its time.
What Reviewers Say
A classic example of early 20th-century melodrama.
Features a straightforward plot with clear heroes and villains.
Offers a suspenseful narrative suitable for its time.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific 1924 silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
The film was directed by George B. Seitz, who later became a prolific director known for his work on the Andy Hardy film series for MGM.
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