The One Good Turn 1913
Dive into the gripping silent-era drama *The One Good Turn (1913)*, directed by William V. Ranous, where political extremism clashes with family loyalty in a tense, morally complex narrative.
Director: William V. Ranous
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The One Good Turn (1913)* about?
This 1913 silent drama follows an anarchist father who risks his daughter's life to carry out an attack on Princess Louise, only to face a reckoning when his wife intervenes. The story pivots on his struggle to reconcile political extremism with the love he has for his family.
Who directed *The One Good Turn*?
William V. Ranous directed this gripping silent-era film, known for his work in early cinema that often explored complex moral dilemmas.
Who stars in *The One Good Turn*?
The film features Florence Turner, Leo Delaney, Mae Costello, E.K. Lincoln, and Helene Costello in key roles.
Is *The One Good Turn (1913)* worth watching?
As a silent-era drama packed into just 16 minutes, *The One Good Turn* offers a fascinating glimpse into early filmmaking and its ability to convey deep themes with minimal dialogue. While it's more historical than modern in style, its moral conflict and suspense make it a compelling watch for fans of classic cinema and social drama.
How long is *The One Good Turn*?
The film runs for 16 minutes, a common runtime for early silent-era productions.
About The One Good Turn (1913) — Silent-Era Drama of Ideology vs. Family Loyalty
Dive into the gripping silent-era drama *The One Good Turn (1913)*, directed by William V. Ranous, where political extremism clashes with family loyalty in a tense, morally complex narrative. Florence Turner stars as the devoted mother who thwarts her anarchist husband's dangerous plan to target Princess Louise using their young daughter as an unwitting pawn. As the father's fanaticism spirals into violence, his wife's intervention forces a reckoning that pulls him back from the brink, exposing the devastating cost of ideological obsession. Set against the stark backdrop of early 20th-century political unrest, this short film weaves themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the fragile line between conviction and cruelty.
Crafted with the raw intensity of early cinema, *The One Good Turn (1913)* delivers a compact yet powerful story that lingers in the mind long after its 16-minute runtime. The film's atmosphere crackles with suspense, driven by the stark contrast between the father's hardened radicalism and the tender resolve of the mother, played with quiet strength by Mae Costello. As the narrative unfolds, it explores the human cost of dogma and the quiet heroism found in defying it, making it a standout entry in the silent-era drama genre.