The Test of Honor


1919

Film Details

Also Known As
The Malefactor
Release Date
Apr 6, 1919
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Famous Players-Lasky Corp.
Distribution Company
Famous Players-Lasky Corp.; Paramount Pictures
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Malefactor by E. Phillips Oppenheim (Boston, 1907).

Synopsis

Wealthy Southerner Martin Wingrave falls for Ruth Curtis, who loathes her husband. After Curtis finds the secluded lovers embracing, Ruth blames Martin. Curtis fights him, but faints because of a weak heart, after which Dr. George Lumley, another of Ruth's admirers, gives her heart stimulant to administer. When she purposely refrains from giving it, Curtis dies, and Martin is sentenced to prison for manslaughter. He returns home after seven years embittered, and goes with his neighbor Juliet Hollis, whom he secretly supported, to New York, supposedly so that she can continue her music education. Martin visits Ruth, now the wife of Judge Ferris, and demands that she introduce him to society, or he will reveal her earlier love letters. After Juliet discovers that Ruth and Lumley, still Ruth's "admirer," plan to poison Martin, Martin entraps them into admitting their relationship within the Judge's hearing. The judge orders them out and cynically threatens to prosecute Lumley if he ever leaves Ruth. With his thirst for revenge quenched, Martin finds that he loves Juliet.

Film Details

Also Known As
The Malefactor
Release Date
Apr 6, 1919
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Famous Players-Lasky Corp.
Distribution Company
Famous Players-Lasky Corp.; Paramount Pictures
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Malefactor by E. Phillips Oppenheim (Boston, 1907).

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

The working title for this film was The Malefactor. Although John Barrymore previously had appeared in a number of light comedies, The Test of Honor was his first straight dramatic role on screen.