Self-important socialite Edith Hardy (Fannie Ward) is frustrated by her businessman husband Richard Hardy (Jack Dean) who refuses to pay her hefty bills since their money is tied up in investments. As the Red Cross fund treasurer, she recruits wealthy Burmese ivory merchant Haka Arakau (Sessue Hayakawa) to host a fundraiser on his Long Island estate. Edith is convinced to invest $10k of the charity fund, but soon fears that it's all been lost.
This is an early directing effort from Cecil B. DeMille. Stage actress Fannie Ward is promoted as the new big star although Hayakawa is the true breakout. I ignore the use of an Asian character as the villain especially since he does not start out showing that way. I was actually shocked initially that there seems to be a romantic suggestion between a white woman and an Asian man. There is an interesting story although I can do without some of Edith's melodrama. Maybe, her melodrama is an important part of the story. Oh well. This has some interesting aspects of production and filmmaking in addition to the interesting names.
This is an early directing effort from Cecil B. DeMille. Stage actress Fannie Ward is promoted as the new big star although Hayakawa is the true breakout. I ignore the use of an Asian character as the villain especially since he does not start out showing that way. I was actually shocked initially that there seems to be a romantic suggestion between a white woman and an Asian man. There is an interesting story although I can do without some of Edith's melodrama. Maybe, her melodrama is an important part of the story. Oh well. This has some interesting aspects of production and filmmaking in addition to the interesting names.