Movie spotlight
All the World to Nothing
Richard Chester, a bachelor who has lost everything in a poker game, blunders into the apartment of Nora Ellis, who has just inherited a fortune under the stipulation that she marry immediately. Assuming the name Chester Dick, Richard marries Nora and leaves. Unaware of this marriage of convenience, Charles Renalls, Nora's suitor, later assumes that her wealth is the only impediment to their union and conspires to ruin her on the market. Upon learning of his scheme, Richard ruins Charles. Nora falls in love with Richard, not recognizing her benefactor as her husband of an evening. Hoping to spoil Richard's chances with Nora, Charles tells her that Richard is already married and that he carries his wife's picture in his pocket. To her surprise and delight, Nora discovers that the incriminating picture is her own photograph and that Richard is already her husband.
Insights
Plot Summary
Based on a novel by Byron Chew, the film tells the story of a young woman who is impoverished and desperate. She falls in love with a wealthy man, but their relationship is tested by societal expectations and her desire for financial security. Ultimately, she must make a difficult choice between love and wealth, and the film explores the consequences of her decision.
Critical Reception
Information on the critical reception of 'All the World to Nothing' from 1918 is scarce in modern databases. As a silent film from a century ago, detailed contemporary reviews are not widely preserved or digitized. However, films of this era often focused on melodramatic storytelling and moral themes, which were generally popular with audiences of the time. The film's star, Henry B. Walthall, was a well-regarded actor, suggesting a certain level of quality was expected.
What Reviewers Say
Melodramatic plot with clear moral undertones, typical of the era.
Focuses on themes of love, wealth, and societal pressures.
Likely offered a sentimental and engaging narrative for its contemporary audience.
Google audience: No specific audience reviews from Google are available for this film due to its age and the nature of film distribution and review in 1918.
Fun Fact
This film is based on the 1916 novel of the same name by American author Byron Chew, a popular writer of his time, known for his moralistic and romantic stories.
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