Lucy Doraine's parents died while she was a child, and she was reared by her wealthy and indulgent uncle. After she grew up, Alphonse Fryland worked out a plot. He had his minions kidnap her, he would rescue her, marry her, kill her uncle, convince her to sell her inheritance, and then he would spend it on a good time. After all, the simplest plans are always the best, and how could this fail?
After the money dried up, they divorced. He continues to show up, telling her he will shoot himself and she still belongs to him. Like a dope, she doesn't say "No I don't. Do you have enough ammunition?"
Then, one day, Fryland is discovered dead. He's been suffocated with no sign of violence! - huh? - It's murder!
The copy I looked at clearly had some continuity issues. Nine of its original 62 minutes are missing, and I suspect a reel or two are not in their original position. Nonetheless, Michael Curtiz's visual sense is on full display, especially in the first twenty minutes, with great vistas and framing shots.
Miss Doraine, in the other hand, did not impress me. She has a single signature pose to indicate every Great Emotion: look up in three-quarters profile, showing off the great amounts of mascara beneath her eyes. Watch for Curtiz, just moved from Hungary and now working for UFA. And try not to wonder why Miss Doraine doesn't brush her hair.
