The Silent Watcher

The Silent Watcher is a lost[4] 1924 American silent melodrama film[1] directed by Frank Lloyd.[1] It stars Glenn Hunter and Bessie Love. It was produced by Frank Lloyd Productions[2]/First National[3] and distributed by First National Pictures. It was based on the story "The Altar on the Hill" by Mary Roberts Rinehart.[5][6][7]

The Silent Watcher
Theatrical release poster
Directed byFrank Lloyd
Written byJ. G. Hawks
Based on"The Altar on the Hill" (story)
by Mary Roberts Rinehart
Starring
CinematographyNorbert Brodine[1]
Edited byEdward M. Roskam
Production
companies
Distributed byFirst National Pictures
Release date
  • October 5, 1924 (1924-10-05) (U.S.)
Running time
8 reels[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Plot

A lawyer (Bosworth) running for Congress decides to end his relationship with a showgirl (Bennett), so that he will be more presentable candidate. When the showgirl commits suicide, the police arrest the lawyer for murder. The lawyer's young secretary (Hunter) decides to take the blame for his employer by saying that he was the one in a relationship with the showgirl. However, this upsets his new bride (Love), who leaves him. The secretary is cleared of guilt when the truth of the showgirl's death is made known, but decides to commit suicide himself because he no longer has the woman he loves. As a final act of love, he cleans their home, when he is interrupted by her return, and the news that his former employer has been elected to Congress.[5][6][8]

Cast

Release and reception

Stills of Alma Bennett's dance number featured prominently in the promotion of the film.[9] On its release, it was shown in some theaters with the Mack Sennett comedy The Wild Goose Chaser, as well as The Color World.[3] Other theaters showed the film with the comedy Turn About.[10]

Glenn Hunter and Bessie Love received high praise for their performances,[6][3][11][12] as did the screenplay.[12] Although the film itself was deemed tedious in parts,[11] the overall reviews were overwhelmingly positive.[13]

See also

References
  1. Young, R.G., ed. (2000). The Encyclopedia of Fantastic Film. Applause Books. p. 569. ISBN 978-1-55783-269-6.
  2. Love, Bessie (1977). From Hollywood with Love: An Autobiography of Bessie Love. London: Elm Tree Books. p. 152. OCLC 734075937.
  3. "'Silent Watcher,' Bessie Love and Glenn Hunter, at Capitol". The Reading Eagle. August 16, 1925. p. 16.
  4. "American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: The Silent Watcher". The Library of Congress.
  5. "The Silent Watcher". The Register. Adelaide, SA. April 7, 1925. p. 3.
  6. Jungmeyer, Jack (November 26, 1924). "Work of Glenn Hunter Makes 'The Silent Watcher' Worth Seeing". The Evening Independent.
  7. Rinehart, Mary Roberts (1925). Temperamental People. New York: A.L. Burt.
  8. Pardy, George T. (November 1, 1924). "'Silent Watcher' Great Heart Drama". Exhibitor's Trade Review. p. 48.
  9. "The Silent Watcher". Exhibitor's Trade Review. October 11, 1924. pp. 44–50.
  10. "Stanford Theatre". The Stanford Daily. December 4, 1924. p. 4.
  11. "The Aisle Seat". The Stanford Daily. Vol. 66, no. 43. December 3, 1924. p. 2.
  12. Evans, Delight (December 1924). "New Screenplays". Screenland. Vol. 10, no. 3. p. 40.
  13. From various reviews:
    • Stonebraker, Ira (February 13, 1926). "Box Office Reports". The Reel Journal. p. 14. This picture was well liked by all who saw it, and had a good many compliments on same. Print and accessories good.
    • Newcomb, J.J. (February 27, 1926). "Box Office Reports". The Reel Journal. p. 18. No special but a very good program picture. Pleased all. Print fair. Advertising good.
    • Grain, D.E., Mrs. (March 27, 1926). "Box Office Reports". The Reel Journal. p. 14. A good picture—pleased all. We had several good comments on this one. Would like more like it. Print and advertising good.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    • Owen, J. (April 10, 1926). "Box Office Reports". The Reel Journal. p. 22. Seemed to please 90%. A mighty good picture. Little bit deep for some small towns.
    • Albrecht, C.M. (April 24, 1926). "Box Office Reports". The Reel Journal. p. 22. Very good picture. Drew well and was liked by almost everyone. Some very fine acting by Hunter and also by the rest of the cast. First Nationals always good.
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