Summary
A whirlwind of desperation and inheritance propels Richard Chester, a man stripped bare by the caprice of a poker table, into the unexpected orbit of Nora Ellis. Bound by an inheritance clause demanding immediate matrimony, Nora finds herself in a bizarre union with Richard, who, under the assumed moniker Chester Dick, swiftly departs post-nuptials. Unbeknownst to Nora, this fleeting encounter is the genesis of a complex romantic entanglement. Her ardent suitor, Charles Renalls, misinterpreting her newfound wealth as a barrier, embarks on a malevolent campaign to financially dismantle her. Richard, catching wind of Renalls' perfidy, masterfully orchestrates the suitor's ruin, a clandestine act of protection that deepens the narrative's intricate web. As Nora's affections gravitate towards her mysterious benefactor, she remains oblivious to his true identity – her one-night husband. The climactic reveal, engineered by a vengeful Charles who attempts to expose Richard's "marital infidelity" by citing a pocketed photograph, culminates in Nora's joyous discovery that the image is her own, cementing the serendipitous truth of their already consecrated bond. It's a masterful ballet of mistaken identity, corporate intrigue, and the unpredictable dance of destiny.
Synopsis
Richard Chester, a bachelor who has lost everything in a poker game, blunders into the apartment of Nora Ellis, who has just inherited a fortune under the stipulation that she marry immediately. Assuming the name Chester Dick, Richard marries Nora and leaves. Unaware of this marriage of convenience, Charles Renalls, Nora's suitor, later assumes that her wealth is the only impediment to their union and conspires to ruin her on the market. Upon learning of his scheme, Richard ruins Charles. Nora falls in love with Richard, not recognizing her benefactor as her husband of an evening. Hoping to spoil Richard's chances with Nora, Charles tells her that Richard is already married and that he carries his wife's picture in his pocket. To her surprise and delight, Nora discovers that the incriminating picture is her own photograph and that Richard is already her husband.
Review Excerpt
"In the annals of early cinema, where narrative ingenuity often blossomed from the limitations of the medium, All the World to Nothing emerges as a particularly compelling artifact. This 1918 silent drama, penned by the prolific Jules Furthman, is a testament to the era's capacity for intricate plotting and character-driven storytelling, even without the benefit of spoken dialogue. It's a fascinating study of how desperation can forge unexpected bonds, how societal expectations can drive absurd d..."
