Lance McGowan (Richard Barthelmess) returns to New York City after a lousy time gambling on a ship. He starts pushing his way around the town's gambling dens and new mob boss Angie Morley has had enough. To make matters worst, he rekindles his shipboard romance with Angie's younger sister Joan Morley. After getting shot at, he escapes into rich recluse Abigail Ardsley's mansion. He looks exactly like Abigail's former beau Robert Anders (Richard Barthelmess). She recounts their story well into the night. Lance tries to make peace with Angie but terrible events unfold. Lance is arrested for Angie's murder.
Richard Barthelmess gives a fine performance as a gangster with some rooting interest. It doesn't mean that this movie is that good or that his character is actually that nice. He's not a great talkie leading man and his star would fade after the silent era. The flashback section is rather dull except for a bit of pre-Code sexuality. The ending is more the end justifies the means rather than poetic justice. I'm not in love with this but it's fine enough.
Richard Barthelmess gives a fine performance as a gangster with some rooting interest. It doesn't mean that this movie is that good or that his character is actually that nice. He's not a great talkie leading man and his star would fade after the silent era. The flashback section is rather dull except for a bit of pre-Code sexuality. The ending is more the end justifies the means rather than poetic justice. I'm not in love with this but it's fine enough.