The Definitive Guide Inspired by the Vision of The Smart Aleck: Cul...

Dir: Henry Edwards

A millionaire bets £25,000 that he can earn his own living for six months.

Dir: Scott Sidney

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Tarzan of the Apes perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Reared by a childless ape, the orphaned heir of the Greystokes becomes one of the apes. Then Dr Porter organises a rescue expedition, and his beautiful daughter Jane catches his attention. Has Tarzan of the Apes found the perfect mate?

Dir: Lloyd Ingraham

While walking along the street one day, Arthur P. Hampton, an impoverished young doctor, and his chums, Stub Masters and Johnny Stokes, are persuaded to part with their last remaining funds by tag day solicitor Mary Jane Smith, with whom the doctor promptly falls in love. Doc's friends then hit upon a get-rich-quick scheme. Knowing that his Uncle George has promised a large sum of money upon his nephew's marriage, they persuade Doc to send out fake wedding invitations naming Mary Jane as the blushing bride. Uncle George, elated at the good news, writes to Mary Jane's aunt, Angelica Burns, an old sweetheart, to invite Mary Jane and Angelica to be his guests on an ocean voyage. Meanwhile, Mary Jane pays a visit to the doctor's office and, upon seeing the wedding invitations, becomes so flustered that she trips and sprains her ankle. Doc comes to her rescue and then begs her to pose as his wife. She agrees, but at ship-side, Stub and Johnnie confess all to Uncle George, who flies into a rage until Doc announces that he and Mary Jane have chosen a wedding at sea.

Dir: Scott Sidney

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Mary's Ankle perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Barnard completes a study in oils which he calls "The Resurrection." It represents a beautiful, dark woman, her awakened soul shining from her eyes. At a private exhibit in the studio the painting causes a great deal of admiring comment, and Barnard's mother, a society leader and an art connoisseur, admits to her son that he virtually "imprisoned a woman's soul" in the canvas. The soul of the picture, a few days later, stirs to the depths of her being a sordid girl of the underworld whom Barnard has found in the night courts and persuaded to become his model for "The Fallen Woman." Irene Brock, once she has met the rapt, spiritual gaze of Barnard's ideal, involuntarily revolts against the hideousness of her environment. The trade she has been accustomed to ply in saloon dance-halls and low resorts becomes a torture to her. Day by day Irene watches the new painting grow. But she is changing. Barnard, feeling that something is unsatisfactory, and that he will be unable to paint from his model "The Fallen Woman" of his imagination, reluctantly brings the sittings to a close. The moment of parting precipitates an emotional crisis. Love, for the first time, has dawned in the girl's soul, and Barnard, moved by a profound sympathy, takes her in his arms. The young artist's mother finds them in this position; she diplomatically conceals her horror while smilingly asserting that "that could never be." Irene goes away, struggling to be resigned. But the young artist, fired by a self-sacrificing love, refuses to let this end the episode. At last, the mother seeks Irene in her squalid lodging. "Such a marriage," she pleads with the girl, "would make my son a social outcast. Even your love could not always make him forget." The soul of "The Resurrection" working upon her heart, and controlled also by her deep love for Barnard, Irene promises to cure him of his passion. That same night she deliberately gives herself up to a detective an old enemy of hers. The following morning she sends for Barnard to come to the night court and pay her fine. He goes. She is brought before the judge. To the charge, she replies, "I am guilty." Silently, Barnard puts the money on the desk. Outside, in the corridor, they meet. By sheer force of will, she resists the almost overwhelming impulse to fling herself in his arms and tell him the entire story of her deception. The next instant, with a murmured good-bye, he turns and rushes out of doors. That evening Irene slips into the deserted studio, and stands long before the painting of "The Resurrection." From these wonderful eyes she imbibes strength for her lonely struggle with the world.

Dir: Reggie Morris

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Unknown Director

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Painted Soul perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

The Judge needs a present for his wife's birthday, so Harry suggests a new corset. They go to the shop, but he's so embarrassed to ask the saleslady he hides in a phone booth.Harry goes in, but finds a GUY wearing one, and runs out.They both dress as women to get back in, but Mrs. Rummy gets there and chases him out.

Dir: Scott Sidney

Countess Olga and Prince Carl, although from two European countries that have been longtime enemies, are madly in love with each other. Olga's brother, Count Michael, convinces Olga to get Carl to come to their country, planning to imprison him. His plan succeeds, but it has unintended consequences.

Dir: Charley Chase

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Striking Models perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A young married couple volunteer to take charge of several orphans after the asylum has burned down. Of course they find their hands full with their troublesome charges.

Dir: Scott Sidney

The story derives its plot from a practical joke perpetrated by underclassmen at the theological seminary from which Arthur Rayburn has just been graduated. At the reception following his ordination, these jokers put rum in the punch served and Rayburn becomes intoxicated. In this condition he is unfrocked by the bishop and the latter's daughter Rene breaks their engagement. Down into the slums goes Rayburn, where he falls under the influence of pretty piano player Rags in a saloon. Rags tries to redeem him, but makes little headway until she prevents the young preacher's attempt to commit suicide in the river. She loves him without reserve and under her guiding care be recovers from his degradation and opens a club for working men. He is so successful that the enterprise comes to the attention of the bishop of the diocese. The bishop visits the club, recognizes its leader, and promptly reinstates him in the ministry. With his future assured, Rayburn turns in gratitude to the girl of the slums who has saved him. He asks her to marry him but in spite of her love, knowing that he still loves Rene, Rags refuses him and returns to the life in which he found her.

Dir: Eduardo Notari

A crime drama in the Gennariello-series. The police detective in Naples that is confronted with modern gangsters and crime events.