Movie spotlight
On the Level
Rustler Pete Sontag kidnaps Merlin Warner after he kills her father. Pete, a drug smuggler who uses his saloon as a front, coerces Merlin though beatings to become the dancer Mexicali Mae. She meets and falls in love with morphine addict Joe Blanchard but Pete frames Joe for a murder that he committed, forcing Mae to hide Joe in a homestead in the hills. After many struggles, Joe is cured of his addiction and proposes to Mae. She accepts, but when his mother and fiancée Eleanor arrive, they offer her money to leave, Mae refuses the money but becomes convinced that she is not good enough for Joe and writes to him that she is returning to the saloon. Joe learning of his mother’s plot arrives at the saloon and in the resultant fight Pete is killed. Mae and Joe are reconciled.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film tells the story of a young woman from a poor background who falls in love with a wealthy young man. Their differing social classes present obstacles to their romance, and the narrative explores themes of ambition, social mobility, and the challenges of overcoming societal expectations. She strives to make a name for herself and bridge the gap between their worlds.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, specific critical reviews and audience reception data from the time are scarce and not widely preserved. Contemporary reviews would have focused on the melodrama, the performance of Alice Brady, and the moral themes presented.
What Reviewers Say
The film likely offered a blend of romantic escapism and social commentary typical of its era.
Alice Brady's performance was generally a strong point in her early career.
The narrative probably appealed to audiences interested in rags-to-riches stories and star-crossed lovers.
Google audience: Due to the film's age and lack of modern digital availability or widespread discussion, there is no discernible consensus on Google Reviews.
Fun Fact
Alice Brady, who starred in 'On the Level,' was a prominent Broadway stage actress who transitioned to film and later won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'In Old Chicago' (1937).
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources