The Profiteer
The Profiteer

Movie spotlight

The Profiteer

1919
Movie
50 min
English

Richard Randall, a patriotic young lawyer speaks out against food profiteers. When ruthless food combine head, Everett Dearing, blackmails society idler Tony Terle into compromising Randall's wife, Beverly in an attempt to stop Randall's anti-war crusades. Ultimately, Terle is caught and confesses to killing Dearing, leading to Randall and Beverly's reunion.

Insights

Director: C. VanceGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A drama set during World War I, 'The Profiteer' focuses on the moral complexities and human cost of wartime profiteering. The film explores the actions of individuals who exploit the conflict for personal gain, contrasting their avarice with the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by those involved in the war industry.

Critical Reception

As a silent film from 1919, detailed critical reception data is scarce. However, films of this era often served as moralistic tales or reflections of contemporary societal concerns. 'The Profiteer' likely garnered attention for its topical subject matter during the post-WWI period, addressing themes of patriotism, greed, and the impact of war on society.

What Reviewers Say

  • Explores the stark realities and ethical quandaries of wartime economic exploitation.

  • Likely presented a dramatic narrative contrasting greed with patriotic sacrifice.

  • A reflection of societal anxieties and moral discussions in the aftermath of World War I.

Google audience: Audience reviews for silent films of this era are not readily available. However, films addressing war and profiteering often resonated with audiences concerned about fairness and the impact of conflict on the home front.

Fun Fact

The film was released shortly after the end of World War I, tapping into a public consciousness grappling with the economic and social consequences of the war and the concept of wartime profiteering.

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