The Traitor Within
Cast & Crew
Frank Mcdonald
Donald M. Barry
Jean Parker
George Cleveland
Ralph Morgan
Jessica Newcombe
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Ambitious young truck driver Sam Starr is in love with Molly Betts, who lives with her father Pop. Pop nurses a deep resentment against the town mayor, John Scott Ryder, because years earlier during the first world war, Ryder took credit for an act of heroism actually committed by Pop and all of Ryder's subsequent success came as a direct result of this claim. Just before their wedding, Sam and Molly are out in his truck when they are side-swiped by what they believe is one of Ryder's rival line trucks. Sam's truck is demolished and Molly insists he seek restitution from Ryder, threatening to expose Ryder's war-time secret if her efuses to pay. Fearful of his losing his public's adulation, Ryder immediately agrees to replace Sam's truck. At Sam and Molly's wedding party, Molly is approached by racketeer and rival politician Al McGonigle, who suggests they further exploit Ryder's fear of exposure. McGonigle promises to back Sam in business, then blackmails Ryder into turning over to him his most valuable accounts. Molly agrees without confiding in Sam. Their business is a success and the Starrs become wealthy, but when Sam accidentally discovers the truth behind the deal, he leaves Molly in anger. Determined to start afresh, Sam goes to Ryder to reimburse him, then berates him for lacking the courage to admit the truth and rid the town of McGonigle's influence. After Sam leaves, Ryder commits suicide, leaving a note of explanation, which is discovered and hidden by his wife, who wishes to keep his reputation intact. Sam is arrested and charged with Ryder's murder and a lynch party forms around the jail. Molly, however, induces Mrs. Ryder to reveal the contents of the suicide note, thereby saving Sam.
Director
Frank Mcdonald
Cast
Donald M. Barry
Jean Parker
George Cleveland
Ralph Morgan
Jessica Newcombe
Bradley Page
Dick Wessell
Emmett Vogan
Edward Keane
Eddie Acuff
Sam Mcdaniel
Eddie Johnson
Marjorie Cooley
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The working titles of this film were False Faces, Eleven Were Brave, and The Crooked Circle. Although the film was not viewed, credits were verified from a 35mm negative. Although songwriter Eddie Cherkose is mentioned in production notes as being cast as a reporter, his appearance in the final film has not been confirmed.
