Movie spotlight
The Testing Block
The tough outlaw 'Sierra' Bill falls in love with the traveling girl violinist Nelly Gray. Sierra forces her into marrying him. They have a child, but family life is interrupted by the gambler Ringe, who not only persuades Nelly to leave her husband but ruins Sierra at the gaming table. With thoughts of vengeance, the angry Sierra breaks out of jail and goes after Ringe.
Insights
Plot Summary
Detective James "Jimmy" Kennedy is a reformed criminal who now works for the police. He is investigating a series of robberies attributed to "The Ghost," a mysterious figure who seems to know the city's underworld intimately. Kennedy finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as he tries to unmask the culprit and protect his own reputation, which is threatened by his past.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1920, critical reception is scarce and primarily documented through contemporary trade publications. Early reviews generally praised the film's suspenseful plot and Lytell's performance in a dual role. Its portrayal of crime and detection was typical of the era's genre films.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its engaging crime narrative.
Bert Lytell's performance was a highlight.
A well-paced thriller typical of early cinema.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews is not available for this silent film.
Fun Fact
Archie Mayo, the director, would go on to have a significant career in Hollywood, directing films like 'The Petrified Forest' and 'Bordertown'.
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