The Price of Silence 1917
"A dramatic portrayal of a strong man's temptations"
Frank Lloyd's 1917 silent drama *The Price of Silence* dives into the moral dilemmas faced by U.S. Senator Frank Deering as he champions reform for child labor while his closest ally, Judge Vernon, succumbs to darker temptations.
Director: Frank Lloyd
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Price of Silence (1917) about?
*The Price of Silence* follows Senator Frank Deering as he crusades against child labor, only to watch his dearest friend, Judge Vernon, fall into financial and moral ruin. When Vernon borrows from a factory owner whose exploitation Deering opposes, the judge's desperate bargain leads to a tragic spiral that tests the limits of loyalty and integrity.
Who directed The Price of Silence?
Frank Lloyd directed *The Price of Silence*. Known for his silent-era dramas, Lloyd crafts a morally charged narrative that highlights the era's social tensions.
Who stars in The Price of Silence?
The film stars William Farnum as Senator Frank Deering, Vivian Rich as his ally's love interest, Charles Clary as Judge Vernon, and Ray Hanford in a pivotal role among the factory owners.
Is The Price of Silence (1917) worth watching?
While *The Price of Silence* lacks a modern rating, its gripping melodrama, social themes, and strong performances make it a compelling time capsule for fans of silent cinema. Viewers who enjoy moral dramas with historical stakes will find much to appreciate in this overlooked gem.
How long is The Price of Silence?
*The Price of Silence* runs for 50 minutes.
About The Price of Silence (1917) — Silent-era drama of corruption and conscience
Frank Lloyd's 1917 silent drama *The Price of Silence* dives into the moral dilemmas faced by U.S. Senator Frank Deering as he champions reform for child labor while his closest ally, Judge Vernon, succumbs to darker temptations. When Judge Vernon borrows money from industrialist Henry McCarthy—whose factories profit from the very exploitation Deering fights—the Judge's fate becomes entangled in a web of debt and compromise. As Vernon's health unravels, so does his integrity, forcing him to confront the personal cost of his choices.
Set against the gritty backdrop of early 20th-century labor struggles, the film blends crime, romance, and drama to explore themes of power, corruption, and redemption. William Farnum's portrayal of Deering contrasts with the tormented Judge Vernon, played by Charles Clary, whose performance adds layers of tension and pathos. The atmospheric tension builds toward a climactic reckoning that questions whether silence can ever truly buy peace—or if the price is always too high.