Movie spotlight
Red Dice
This unusual melodrama with comic touches was based on Octavus Roy Cohen's novel The Iron Chance. Alan Beckwith (Rod La Rocque) is a war hero who is very much down on his luck. He makes a deal with big-time bootlegger Andrew North (Gustave von Seyffertitz) -- if North will give him a large sum of money, Beckwith will kill himself at the end of a year's time. He is to marry a girl of North's choosing and take out an insurance policy naming her as beneficiary; North will collect from the widow. The plot thickens when Beckwith and Beverly (Marguerite De La Motte), the girl North has him marry, actually fall in love. Beverly's brother, Johnny (Ray Hallor), teams up with Beckwith to steal one of North's cargos of rum. North and his men catch them and things look bad until revenue officers -- called on by Beverly -- show up. The North gang is rounded up and Beckwith looks forward to a long life with his wife.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man is entangled in a world of gambling and shady dealings when he falls for a mysterious woman. He finds himself drawn into a dangerous game of chance and deceit, with his future hanging in the balance. The film explores themes of temptation, morality, and the consequences of one's choices in a society where appearances can be deceiving.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1926, contemporary critical reception is largely unarchived in easily accessible formats. However, the film is recognized as a product of its era, reflecting the popular melodrama and crime themes prevalent in early cinema. Its screening at festivals and archival presentations suggest a continued interest in its historical and cinematic value.
What Reviewers Say
A compelling silent drama that delves into the darker aspects of society.
Showcases the storytelling capabilities of early 20th-century filmmaking.
Offers a glimpse into the popular entertainment of the silent film era.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this silent film is not available.
Fun Fact
Thomas Bentley, the director, was a prolific filmmaker in British cinema during the silent and early sound eras, directing over 50 films throughout his career.
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