The Finger of Justice

The Finger of Justice is a 1918 American silent drama film directed by Louis Chaudet.[1] The film is based upon the campaign to close down the red-light district of the Barbary Coast of San Francisco.[2]

The Finger of Justice
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Directed byLouis Chaudet
Written byGrace Sanderson Michie
Produced byRev. Paul Smith
StarringCrane Wilbur
Henry A. Barrows
Jane O'Rourke
CinematographyLenwood Abbott
Production
company
Paul Smith Pictures
Distributed byArrow Film Corporation
Release date
  • July 1918 (1918-07)
Running time
7 reels
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

Plot

As described in a film magazine,[3] William Randall (Barrows), a political boss, allows evil to flourish in his city district while he enjoys great profits. The arrival of the Reverend Noel Delaney (Wilbur) and his fight against the underworld frightens the political leader. When he finds his daughter Betty (Booker) has been lured into one of the dives, he goes to her rescue and is killed. His death awakens the people and shortly Delaney's efforts are successful.

Cast
  • Crane Wilbur as Noel Delaney
  • Henry A. Barrows as William Randall
  • Jane O'Rourke as Yvonne
  • Mae Gaston as Mary
  • Leota Lorraine as Edith
  • Beulah Booker as Betty Randall
  • Velma Whitman as Louise Bradley
  • Jean Hathaway as Mrs. Bradley
  • John Oaker as Flip
  • Jack Lott as Jack Randall

Reception

Although the film was about an anti-vice campaign, the subject of prostitution created issues in showing the film. The film was scheduled to premiere on 29 June 1918 at the Lyric Theatre in New York City, but New York did not authorize showing the film.[1] Although the film was endorsed by the Superintendent of Police in Washington, D.C.,[1] it was banned in Maryland, New York, and Chicago.[2]

Preservation

A copy of the film has been released on DVD.

References
  1. Progressive Silent Film List: The Finger of Justice at silentera.com
  2. Campbell, Russell (1997). "Prostitution and Film Censorship in the USA". Screening the Past (2): C/4–5. Retrieved 2020-07-05.
  3. "Synopses of Current Publications: The Finger of Justice". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 7 (4): 53. July 20, 1918.
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