Ace of Hearts (1921)

Directed by Wallace Worsley. Starring John Bowers, Leatrice Joy, Lon Chaney, Hardee Kirkland.

A secret society of vigilantes plots to eliminate prominent individuals that they feel are unworthy, but when one of the members (Bowers) can’t go through with it, he’s marked for death as well. Standard-issue crisis-of-conscience drama with a love triangle thrown in for good measure; scant character information emphasizes the moral, but at least it’s refreshingly short on melodrama. Playing one of the vigilantes who’s sweet on the only woman in the group (Joy), Chaney is good as expected, even without memorable makeup or a bold characterization to work with. Undistinguished but worthy drama. The original ending was scrapped after studio chief Samuel Goldwyn disapproved (based on descriptions of what it entailed, a wise move). Adapted from a book by Gouverneur Morris.

67/100