Victor Grandet has lost his fortune by speculating, but his son, Charles, is unaware of this. Victor sends Charles to live with Pere Grandet, who is Victor's brother. Victor commits suicide, and Charles learns he is penniless. Pere, who is a miser, manages to buy up Victor's debts at a fraction, and makes a small fortune by doing so. However, he keeps Charles in the dark. Meanwhile, Charles begins to fall for Pere's daughter Eugenie. Charles leaves to seek his fortune. While he is away, Pere intercepts letters that Charles has written to Eugenie, leading the two lovers to believe each has gone their separate ways. Will true love conquer all?
This is a fine romantic melodrama, with good performances by the leads. Valentino, in particular, gets a chance to experiment with his role, beginning as a spoiled rich boy. Interestingly, when we see him later in the film, he has abandoned the "slicked-down hair" look, and sports some beard stubble, which to my mind, makes him look more handsome: Alice Terry is beautiful as ever, and she makes an attractive partner for Valentino.
In one odd scene, Terry is courted by various suitors. One of them, played by Ward Wing is clearly portrayed as effeminate.
The film is enriched by the solid performance of Ralph Lewis as Pere Grandet. Lewis creates one of the most reprehensible characters of the silent screen, which makes his final comeuppance deliciously appropriate. Without giving too much away, let's just say Lewis encounters some spirits who wish to enact justice.
This is a fine romantic melodrama, with good performances by the leads. Valentino, in particular, gets a chance to experiment with his role, beginning as a spoiled rich boy. Interestingly, when we see him later in the film, he has abandoned the "slicked-down hair" look, and sports some beard stubble, which to my mind, makes him look more handsome: Alice Terry is beautiful as ever, and she makes an attractive partner for Valentino.
In one odd scene, Terry is courted by various suitors. One of them, played by Ward Wing is clearly portrayed as effeminate.
The film is enriched by the solid performance of Ralph Lewis as Pere Grandet. Lewis creates one of the most reprehensible characters of the silent screen, which makes his final comeuppance deliciously appropriate. Without giving too much away, let's just say Lewis encounters some spirits who wish to enact justice.