Movie spotlight
The Car of Chance
In his will, Mr. Baird leaves his son Arnold just one seven-passenger auto and a hundred dollars to keep it filled up and in good repair. When James Bennett hears of this, he insists that Baird do something to make his fortune before he can marry his daughter Ruth. Bennett begins by using the car to start a jitney-bus line. This is not terribly impressive to Bennett -- who owns a trolley company -- and he decides he would rather see Ruth married to his controller, William Mott-Smith.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman finds herself in a desperate situation after her father gambles away their fortune. She encounters a mysterious millionaire who offers her a way out, but her path is fraught with danger and difficult choices. The narrative explores themes of desperation, morality, and the unexpected turns of fate.
Critical Reception
As a silent short film from 1917, contemporary critical reception is not widely documented or easily accessible. However, films of this era often served as popular entertainment, with their reception largely determined by audience enjoyment and box office performance.
What Reviewers Say
Often overlooked in historical film archives.
Representative of early 20th-century melodrama shorts.
Lacks extensive critical analysis due to its age and format.
Google audience: Information regarding specific audience reception for 'The Car of Chance' is not readily available due to its age and limited distribution in modern platforms.
Fun Fact
Jack Conway, who directed this short, would go on to have a significant career as a director and producer at MGM, working on many notable films throughout the Golden Age of Hollywood.
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