She just wanted dinner. She got arrested, a record, and then... true love? 1917 was WILD.
Wanting to escape from the drab life of the country, Helen Wayne moves to the big city and becomes a secretary for the Calder family. Just before beginning her new job, however, Helen meets a man who promises to take the hungry girl to dinner. When she goes to the prearranged meeting place, she is arrested and her name is put on the police record. Some time later, Helen and young Rand Calder fall in love. As they are about to announce their engagement, Martin Ingleton, the man who earlier had caused Helen's arrest, attempts to ruin Rand's business ventures. When all of the principals go to court to fight the issue, Ingleton recognizes Helen and tries to label her a woman of unworthy character. Instead of causing Rand to admonish her, however, Ingleton instigates Helen to tell the judge her story and she is exonerated.
Acting
Mae Murray's expressive face doing ALL the heavy lifting.
Direction
Robert Z. Leonard cranking out melodrama before his MGM glory days.
Director
Robert Z. Leonard
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This film captures Progressive Era anxiety about women's independence — Helen's 'crime' is literally accepting a dinner invitation while female and unaccompanied.
Mae Murray later sued MGM for ruining her career; this early role shows the dramatic chops that made her a star before the talkies betrayed her.
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