Editor's Top Picks Sharing the Atmosphere of When a Man Loves: Cult Guide

Dir: Chester Bennett

Tony is sentenced to be hanged for the murder of his friend, Pietro, whom he found seducing his bride, Felipa, and she is sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment as an accessory. Born in prison, her child is taken from her at the age of three and is adopted by the judge, now governor, who sentenced the parents. Years later, upon the mother's release, she relinquishes her legal claim to the child and is given refuge by its guardians.

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

Dir: Chester Bennett

Daniel Craig, known as Convict 777, is sentenced to twenty years in prison for a crime he did not commit. He escapes during a prison uprising, which forces the removal of the cruel warden, Samuel Green, and he is replaced by Major Jerome Gracie. Upon returning to prison, Daniel falls in love with the new warden's daughter, Joan Gracie, and she inspires him to aid in the capture of five hardened criminals who escaped in the riot. Later, Warden Green's son, Brewster, is found guilty of the crime for which Daniel had been convicted.

Dir: Chester Bennett

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

While Jane and Jim Parker witness the divorce proceedings of Jane's parents, the George Reeds, they resolve that such a disaster will never occur in their happy lives. But when Jim achieves success in Reed's company, he becomes increasingly interested in his new fast friends, especially vamp Gloria Gayne; and he asks Jane for a divorce. At Jane's request, Reed fires his son-in-law, and Jim finds himself deserted by his friends. He returns home, repentant, to his forgiving wife.

Dir: Chester Bennett

An author's wife threatens to send him out to work unless he sells a story. Finding a publisher who will accept only true stories, the author proceeds to unravel his own past: As a notorious criminal, with his wife as accomplice, he commits robberies, is pursued and captured, escapes, and eventually reforms. Excited by the story, the publisher prepares to buy it. Overcome by his success, the author announces that his wife had been a much "dirtier crook" than himself, and he is about to reveal the details of her life when she overhears him and spoils the scene.

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Honesty - The Best Policy perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Dir: Chester Bennett

Quentard Lorris appoints several trustees to manage the fortune of his daughter Betty, who will inherit millions. The trustees, along with Lorris' secretary, Simon Slane, and suitor, Count Vorilla, are all anxious to get their hands on Betty's money. Jason Downer hires civil engineer Todfield King to do work on Lorris' estate, then Gleason and other trustees accuse King of being a fortune hunter. Although he is fond of Betty, King determines to quit. Soon Downer appears, telling him that Betty is in danger from Count Vorilla. After a struggle, King rescues Betty from the Count and his gang, and the two come to an understanding. Finally, Lorris and Downer arrive, and Lorris reveals that he was testing King to see if he would be a fit husband for his daughter.

Dir: Chester Bennett

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

After being released from imprisonment for a crime committed by her sister, Violet is forced to become a woman of easy virtue, and on an excursion to a South Sea isle she meets Luther Smith, a sailor seeking vengeance for the death of his sister. She feels unworthy of his love, but their paths cross again when he rescues her from Captain Sutton, the man responsible for the other girl's tragedy.

Dir: Chester Bennett

Virginia Tremont, her guardian Kenly Lounsbury, and their guide Bill Bronson set out for the Northwest in search of her fiancé, Harold Lounsbury. After being left by Kenly without horses, Virginia and Bill find Harold living as a Native American. Her affections are transferred to Bill when he twice rescues her from danger and when Harold is revealed to be worthless.

Dir: Chester Bennett

Though loved by many in her Norwegian village home, Thelma herself does not know love until she meets Sir Phillip Errington. They are married and go to London, where she is well received except by Phillip's jealous "friends." Lady Clara and Lennox plot to make Phillip appear to be unfaithful, and Thelma returns to Norway. Phillip, however, pursues her and proves his innocence.