The Master Mind (1920 film)

The Master Mind (also known as Sinners Three) is a lost[1] 1920 American silent crime drama film produced by Whitman Bennett and released by Associated First National Pictures, later just First National Pictures). Kenneth Webb directed and Lionel Barrymore stars. It is based on a 1913 play, The Master Mind, by playwright Daniel David Cohen also known as Daniel D. Carter.[2][3]

The Master Mind
Film poster
Directed byKenneth Webb
Produced byWhitman Bennett
Written byKenneth Webb (scenario)
Based onThe Master Mind
by Daniel David Cohen
CinematographyTom L. Griffith
Rial Schellinger
Distributed byAssociated First National Pictures
Release date
  • September 12, 1920 (1920-09-12)
Running time
50 minutes; 5 reels
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)
First National advertisement.

Plot

As described in a film magazine,[4] in revenge for the successful prosecution of his younger brother Richard (Helton), accused of murder but innocent, by district attorney Wainwright (Kellard), Henry Allen (Barrymore), whose two passions are the study of psychology and his love for his brother, schemes to return the hurt to the lawyer and take away that which he holds dear. Finding that Wainwright loves a portrait of a young woman with a criminal record, Henry develops a scheme that takes Maggie (O'Brien) from prison and educates her abroad. Upon completion of her education he surrounds her with a pretending family, presumably to cover up her past, and brings her and the lawyer together and permits them to marry. With Wainwright running for governor, Henry goes to him and reveals the past of the Maggie and the criminal record of her family, intending to force Wainwright on threat of public exposure to withdraw from the election. Before this threat can be made effective, Maggie appeals to Henry, and he has a change of heart, realizing that vengeance is not man meted but God-visited. Henry leaves the loving couple to fame and happiness.

Cast
  • Lionel Barrymore as Henry Allen
  • Gypsy O'Brien as Maggie
  • Ralph Kellard as Wainwright
  • Bradley Barker as Creegan
  • Charles Brandt as Hank
  • Marie Shotwell as Sadie
  • Bernard Randall as Diamond Willie
  • Charles Edwards as The Butler
  • Louis Stern
  • Alma Aiken
  • Percy Helton as Younger brother Richard

See also

References
  1. The Library of Congress/FIAF American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog:The Master Mind
  2. The American Film Institute Catalog Feature Films: 1911-20 by The American Film Institute, c.1988
  3. The Master Mind as presented on Broadway at the Harris Theatre, beginning February 17, 1913, 128 performances; IBDb.com
  4. "Reviews: The Master Mind". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 11 (13): 74. September 25, 1920.
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