The Cheat (1915)

Synopsis: Married socialite sees herself in a financial tight spot, and requires the help of a rich businessman, who demands her as a lover in return. But things will take a dramatic shift. Appraisal: This film has qualities, mainly in cinematography. The mise-en-scene is competent and the acting, adequate. The story itself is rather interesting in the first part, showing some recurring themes in the cinema of that era, related to American Capitalism and its effects on the life of a rising middle class. The second part of the story resorts heavily to sensationalism, taking improbable turns. All in all a decent film, very dated but still watchable.