Collectible Movie Posters - 1923

CONTENTS

Alias the Night Wind Ashes of Vengeance Big Dan The Cheat Dark Secrets Derby Day Eyes of the Forest Fog Bound The Ghost City Gimme! Going Up The Hunchback of Notre Dame I Love You

Jealous Husbands The Last Moment Look Your Best

North of Hudson Bay Oranges and Lemons Rob ‘ Em Good Rosita Scars of Jealousy The Shriek of Araby Three Ages Thundergate Under the Red Robe Unseeing Eyes When Knights Were Cold The World ’ s Applause

Alias the Night Wind , 1923 August 19

Former stockbroker Bing Howard becomes known as the "Night Wind" for his ability to elude private detective Clifford Rushton, who framed him for a bond robbery. Rushton’s failure to catch Bing forces the police to turn the case over to Detective Katherine Maxwell, alias "Lady Kate," whose brother was framed by Rushton for a similar crime. Lady Kate provides a temporary hideout for Howard, then proves that Rushton is guilty of both crimes. AFI

Film status: lost

Ashes of Vengeance , 1923 October 1

When 16th-century France is troubled with intense politico religious rivalry and Catherine de Medicis launches her attack on the Huguenots, the Comte de la Roche spares the life of his enemy, Rupert de Vrieac, a Huguenot, by making him an indentured servant. At the Roche castle, Rupert falls in love with the count's sister, Yolande, who treats him coldly. When the despicable Duc de Tours attempts to force himself on Yolande by threatening to torture Rupert, Yolande yields. Fortunately, Rupert's men arrive in time to kill Lupi, the torturer. The duke dies following a duel with Rupert, and Yolande persuades her brother to release Rupert from his bondage. AFI

Film status: extant

Big Dan , 1923 October 14

War veteran Dan O'Hara, known as "Big Dan," decides to turn his home into a camp for boys and aspiring boxers after losing his wife to another man. He meets Dora Allen, rescues her from an unwanted suitor, and gives her shelter in the camp. Meanwhile, Dan learns that his estranged wife is in poor health and pays for her medical expenses. A romance develops between Dan and Dora, but it is complicated by Dan’s marriage and the intrusion of another suitor. The wife dies, however, freeing the lovers to marry. AFI

Film status: extant

The Cheat , 1923 September 30

South American beauty Carmelita De Córdoba, who is betrothed to an elderly Latin American, elopes with New York broker Dudley Drake; and after being disinherited by her father, she falls into the clutches of Rao-Singh, a crook masquerading as an Indian prince. When Carmelita seeks to repay her debt to him with money, he refuses her check and brands her as a cheat with his family crest. Carmelita retaliates by shooting him, then escapes. Dudley Drake arrives in time to take the rap, but he is acquitted when Carmelita shows the brand on her shoulder, and the courtroom mobs the bogus prince. AFI

Film status: lost

Dark Secrets , 1923 February 5

Long Island socialite Ruth Rutherford, crippled as a result of being thrown from a horse, breaks her engagement to Lord Wallington. Dejected, Wallie returns to his regiment in Egypt and sinks into dissipation. Ruth hears of his plight and also goes to Egypt, where she meets Dr. Mohammed Ali. Ali cures her lameness in return for Ruth's agreeing to become his wife, but Biskra, Ruth's servant, kills Ali before he can collect. Even from death Ali's power over Ruth returns her to her wheelchair until she jumps up to save Wallington from an attack feigned by Biskra. AFI

Film status: lost

Derby Day , 1923 November 19

With a little bit of capital (specifically fifty cents) the gang is able to set up a lemonade stand and an adjoining hot dog stand near a race track. Mary stops by for some lemonade, while nearly charming the boys out of their socks. As the daughter of a horse owner, she manages to sneak them inside the track to watch the race. The whole thing is terribly exciting; and it gives Mickey an idea. The gang quickly abandons the idea of selling food and drink. Instead, they create their own race track. Of course, their own derby day is not quite like the adult version. Instead of horses, one boy has a cow, another a mule; a third rides in cart driven by a goat and a fourth in a dog-driven cart. Farina, whose vehicle is a tricycle, spikes the water of some of the animals beforehand. Before the race is through, the animals will be too drunk, lazy or overworked to finish. The horse race becomes a foot race. IMDB

Film status: extant

Eyes of the Forest , 1923 December 30

Bruce Thornton, a forest ranger, arrests Ruth Melier, who is accused of murdering her stepfather. However, Ruth reveals that her brutal husband, Horgan, is the murderer. Bruce and a fellow ranger capture Horgan and his gang of timber thieves, establishing Ruth's innocence. AFI

Film status: unknown

Fog Bound , 1923 May 27

A mutual attraction develops between Roger Wainright, a wealthy New York idler visiting his Florida estate, and Gale Brenon, daughter of a federal revenue agent. During a raid on a fashionable gambling resort, Mr. Brenon is killed, and suspicion is focused on Roger, who escapes to Gale's home. She helps Roger escape into the swamp but joins the search for him when she learns of her father's death. Gale weakens when she finds Roger, but he decides to surrender. Ultimately, Mildred Van Buren exposes Deputy Brown to be Brenon's murderer. AFI

Film status: unknown

The Ghost City , 1923 December 3

Chapter Titles:

1. The Thundering Herd 2. The Bulldogger 3. The Maelstrom 4. The Water Trap 5. Foiling the Rustlers 6. Death ’ s Specter 7. Stolen Gold 8. The Midnight Intruder 9. Talons of the Night 10. The Frame-Up 11. Ambushed 12. The Betrayal 13. Man to Man 14. Flames of Vengeance 15. Face to Face

Film status: lost

Gimme , 1923 January 21

Fanny Daniels borrows $500 from Claude Lambert, her employer, for the trousseau for her marriage to Clinton Ferris. When Lambert asks for the money, Fanny draws a check on Clinton's account because she dislikes having to ask her husband for money. There is a row when Clinton finds out; Fanny leaves him and returns to work for Lambert. Clinton then realizes his wife's attitude and agrees to "live 50-50" with her. AFI

Film status: lost

Going Up , 1923 September 30

Robert Street, an author of aviation novels, has acquired the reputation of being an expert pilot, though he is without experience and has an unreasonable fear of airplanes. He is challenged to compete with ace pilot Jules Gaillard in a race for Grace Douglas' love. The film climaxes in Street's thrilling victory after his friends vainly attempt to help him duck out of the competition. AFI

Film status: unknown

The Hunchback of Notre Dame , 1923 September 6

In late 15th century Paris, tensions between the harsh rule of King Louis XI and the impoverished and oppressed masses led by the self-proclaimed King of the Beggars, Clopin, converge under the shadow of Notre Dame cathedral. To cheer themselves, the impoverished gather in the cathedral square to celebrate the annual Festival of Fools, which culminates in the crowning of the city’s ugliest man, church bell ringer and hunchback, Quasimodo, who is provided shelter in the cathedral by the generous arch-deacon Don Claudio. The arch deacon’s brother, Jehan, a failed semin arian, also finds refuge in the cathedral, but treats the simple Quasimodo as his personal slave. Just beyond the cathedral square, Clopin lives with his adopted gypsy daughter, Esmeralda, a great favorite with the people for her beauty and spirit. At the festival, newly appointed captain of the guard Phoebus de Chateaupers finds Esmeralda’s joyous dancing mesmerizing, as does the lustful Jehan and the delighted Quasimodo. The evening of the festival’s end, as Esmeralda sets off for home, Jehan sends Quasimodo to kidnap her, but she is rescued by Phoebus and the guard, who arrest the hunchback. Although he is engaged to the niece of the wealthy Madame de Gondelaurier, Fleur de Lys, Phoebus invites Esmeralda to dine with him and is touched by her sincere, unspoiled nature. continued at end

Film status: extant

I Love You , 1923 January 13

Felice, a peasant girl who lives near Florence, Italy, is so beautiful that the villagers call her the "Passion Flower." Jules Mardon, a French artist traveling in Italy for his health, paints Felice, winning her love in the process. Upon the portrait's completion, however, he abandons Felice and returns to Paris, where the painting earns him wealth and fame. Millionaire Armand de Gautier falls in love with Felice's image, buys the portrait, and then seeks out and marries the model. Several years after the birth of the happy couple's child, Armand commissions Jules to paint his wife and son, whereupon the artist again tries to seduce her. When Felice learns that Armand, assuming she has abandoned her plague-stricken child to be with Jules, wants no more to do with her, she kisses her son and then, with the disease on her lips, searches for Jules and kisses him. The artist dies, but Felice and her son survive to be reunited with Armand. AFI

Film status: lost

Jealous Husbands , 1923 November 12

Believing his wife, Alice, has been unfaithful, jealous husband Ramón Martínez condemns her and gives away their son, Bobbie, to some Gypsies. Alice is merely trying to protect Ramon's sister, Carmen, who is being blackmailed by a former lover, Harvey Clegg. Ramón and Alice separate; Carmen drowns in a shipwreck; but Bobbie, called Spud by the Gypsies, returns to prove his mother's innocence and thereby reunite his family. AFI

Film status: lost

The Last Moment , 1923 June 7

Hercules Napoleon Cameron, who finds his adventure in books, is searching the waterfront with Alice Winthrop for a friend's father when they are shanghaied and taken aboard "The Finn's" ship, bound for the South Seas. "The Finn" is a brutal captain who reinforces his authority with a caged, ape like monster. "The Thing" escapes during a storm, destroys the captain and crew, then turns on Alice and Nap. Fearing that their last moment has arrived, they declare their love for each other, and Nap suddenly develops a heroic impulse. He holds off the monster for a time, Alice and Nap swim for shore closely followed by "The Thing," and Nap finally drowns the beast with the aid of a large abalone. AFI

Film status: lost

Look Your Best , 1923 February 18

Perla Quaranta, an underfed Italian-American dancer, is hired for Carlo Bruni’s "Butterfly Act" to replace a chorus girl who has grown too heavy. While touring with the troupe, Perla gains weight after several dinners with a stagehand named Krug. When Perla rejects him as a suitor, Krug causes one of Perla's flight wires to break during a performance, hoping she will be fired for being too heavy. Instead, Bruni beats Krug, a felony for which he spends thirty days in jail. Following his release, Bruni produces a new dance act with Perla as the star. The couple marry, each encouraging the other in their struggle against food. AFI

Film status: lost

North of Hudson Bay , 1923 November 18

Rancher Michael Dane goes to northern Canada to join his brother, Peter, who has struck gold with his partner, Angus McKenzie. En route, Dane meets and falls in love with Estelle McDonald. Arriving at the trading post, Dane discovers that Peter has been murdered. Local authorities accuse McKenzie and summarily sentence him to walk the "death trail," a kind of torture involving starvation and exposure in which the prisoner is made to walk, accompanied by guards, until he dies. Dane becomes an object of the same torture when he tries to help the wrongfully accused man. They both escape, and Dane gets into a terrific fight with a pack of wolves. Estelle follows the group in a canoe, pursued by Cameron McDonald, her uncle, who is the real murderer of Peter Dane. McDonald dies after a thrilling chase over a waterfall, and Dane and Estelle escape to civilization. AFI

Film status: extant

Oranges and Lemons , 1923 August 12

After getting into a scuffle with his boss and some co-workers, an orange packer tries to help another co-worker, only to wind up in a conflict with him as well. Trying to elude his boss, he heads inside the packing house, and visits with the women who are packing fruit into cases. Then he heads to a storage area, and tries to use the machinery to escape his pursuers. IMDB

Film status: extant

Rob ‘ Em Good , 1923 January 22

A two-reel comedy starring Bull Montana as the villainous Earl of Nothingdone, and working hard to get something done about Robemgood before he makes off with the hand and other parts of the fair Lady Merryann Fisswater. The Sherif of Rottingham is useless. And even more so when the Knight of the Cauliflower replaces Nothingdone. IMDB

Film status: unknown

Rosita , 1923 September 3

The King of Spain falls in love with Rosita, a Spanish street singer, who in turn loves Don Diego, a penniless nobleman who defends her when the guards arrest her for singing a song lampooning the lusty king. Rosita and Don Diego are imprisoned; Don Diego is sentenced to die; and Rosita is summoned by the king and tempted with gifts of clothing and a luxurious villa. The king arranges a marriage between Rosita and Don Diego--both blindfolded--making Rosita a countess before she is to become a widow. The queen saves Don Diego's life by putting blank cartridges in the executioner's guns. Don Diego, feigning death, is brought to Rosita's villa and jumps up to earn his pardon by saving the king just as the bereaved Rosita raises her knife to stab him. AFI

Film status: extant

Scars of Jealousy , 1923 March 5

When King Louis XV of France sentences Court Cartier de Jacques to the Bastille, friends help him escape and flee the country. Many years later, his descendants, known as Cajuns, have settled in the Alabama hills. Meanwhile, after years of waywardness, Jeff Newland is disinherited by his wealthy father, Colonel Newland, who calls the young man lower than a Cajun and throws him out of the family mansion. Later, the colonel goes into the hills, finds a bright young Cajun named Coddy Jakes, and raises him as his own son. He also introduces him to Helen Meanix, a well-bred lady. However, Coddy is suspected of murder, a victim of a frame up by his real family, and disappears into the hills, where he encounters Jeff Newland and succeeds in making a man of him. When Coddy is captured and about to be lynched, Helen effects his escape, and they find love together after being rescued by Jeff and the colonel from a forest fire. AFI

Film status: extant

The Shriek of Araby , 1923 March 5

Because he is too handsome, a publicist for the film The Sheik, who has been riding a horse around town dressed as the title character, loses his job to a bill poster. The bill poster dozes while riding his horse and dreams of desert adventures in which the handsome man he replaced is an Arab prince who goes on a vacation and turns his throne over to the bill poster. The action closely follows that of The Sheik, but just as the bill poster rides away with his bride, he awakes to find himself in the presence of a traffic cop. AFI

Film status: extant

Three Ages , 1923 September 24

The hero faces the problem of the lover with a formidable rival in three ages. In the stone age he and his rival throw giant pebbles at each other and eventually he drags off the girl by the hair. In the Roman age a chariot race settles the competition and in the modern age he has to combat with the most popular asset of the suitor of today--wealth. Just as the girl is about to wed the moneyed suitor, the hero makes a bold play for her, however, and wins. MPW 8 Sep 1923

Film status: extant

Thundergate , 1923 October 15

Robert Wells, an American youth who was reared in China, goes abroad for his uncle, James Sanderson, to assist in the construction of a bridge for the Chinese Government. Ray Williams, construction manager secretly employed by Chinese imperialists whose aim is to impede construction, introduces Wells to a narcotic that when taken causes him to neglect his work. Wells is in a dissolute stupor when the wayward son of the Lord of Thundergate meets him by chance and, noting the striking resemblance between them, exchanges identities with Wells, who as a result becomes involved in a daring conspiracy culminating in romance with a Chinese-reared white girl and in his own physical rehabilitation. AFI

Film status: extant

Under the Red Robe , 1923 January 13

Gil de Bérault engages in a duel despite the orders of Cardinal Richelieu, Prime Minister of France under King Louis XIII. To save his life, Bérault must capture Henri de Cocheforet, a suspected leader in a plot to overthrow the monarch, and bring him to the palace. Bérault captures Cocheforet but becomes a captive of the wiles of Renée, Cocheforet's beautiful sister. He abandons his purpose and returns to the palace emptyhanded. In the meantime, the king's brother, the Duke of Orléans, a conspirator against Richelieu, persuades the king to dismiss Richelieu. derault reveals Orléans's treachery; Richelieu is returned to favor, and Bérault is praised for his loyalty. AFI

Film status: extant

Unseeing Eyes , 1923 November 18

Miriam Helston flies with ace pilot Conrad Dean to her brother's silver mine in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to help him take possession from illegal operators "Frozen Face" Laird and a crew of cutthroat halfbreeds. Miriam has been summoned by Laird's squaw, Singing Pine, who is protecting the wounded brother, Dick. En route, pilot Dean is forced to make an emergency landing in the snow. He becomes separated from Miriam, who, lost and blinded by the snow, ends up in Laird's clutches. Dean rescues Miriam from Laird after he (Dean) and Dick are saved by Singing Pine. Laird is shot by Singing Pine's father. Dean and Miriam marry. AFI

Film status: lost

When Knights Were Cold , 1923 February 12

Stan is a Robin Hood-type character in a medieval walled town. He's chased by an army of knights, but both he and his pursuers ride music-hall half-horse costumes in lieu of real steads. He proceeds to fight, Fairbanks-like, dozens of swordsmen at once, and defeats his rival one-on-one, leaving him to marry the princess in a state ceremony. IMDB

Film status: incomplete

The World ’ s Applause , 1923 January 29

Broadway star Corinne d'Alys turns a deaf ear to producer John Elliott's admonitions to be more cautious in her craving for the world's applause. She accepts the attentions of artist Robert Townsend, who is married to John's sister. Elsa Townsend accidentally stabs her husband in her anger but doesn't confess to the crime until John is about to be arrested and Corrinne has gained much notoriety. With their names cleared Corinne and John find happiness. AFI

Film status: lost

The Hunchback of Notre Dame , 1923 continued

The next day in the cathedral square, the bored Clopin grows suspicious that playful poet Gringoire is really a spy for the king, and with his supporters, attempts to hang him until Esmeralda angrily intervenes, scolding Clopin for promoting trouble where there is none. The next morning, the hapless Quasimodo is sentenced to public punishment for his kidnapping attempt and is flogged and left chained to a massive stone in front of the cathedral. When the hunchback piteously calls for help, Esmeralda overcomes her revulsion of his deformity and brings him water and covers his bleeding back. Don Claudio then orders Quasimodo freed. Later, to celebrate Phoebus’s promotion, Madame Gondelaurier throws a ball. Now captivated by Esmeralda, Phoebus requests that she accompany him and provides her with a beautiful gown. Learning from a spy that Phoebus has spirited Esmeralda away, Clopin believes she has been kidnapped and with a group of supporters, breaks into the ball. Hoping to avert a brawl, Phoebus meets Clopin unarmed, but only when Esmeralda denies that she loves Phoebus and agrees to depart does Clopin withdraw. Depressed over her rejection, Phoebus is cheered a few days later when Gringoire delivers a message from Esmeralda asking to meet him at Notre Dame. In the cathedral courtyard, when Esmeralda reveals that she has decided to enter a nunnery, Phoebus reaffirms his devotion and vows they will marry. Unknown to the couple, Jehan has

followed Esmeralda and in a fit of jealousy stabs the captain in the back. Despite her insistence that Jehan has committed the assault, the guard arrest Esmeralda. After being tortured, Esmeralda confesses to the crime and is sentenced to be hanged. Jehan, who has testified that Esmeralda is bewitched, then goes to the recovering but delirious Phoebus to convince him that Esmeralda was his attacker. Meanwhile, Clopin goes to Don Claudio, who informs him that Esmeralda has been taken to the prison tower. Overhearing, Jehan slips away to the tower where, disguised as a priest, he is allowed entry to Esmeralda’s cell. Declaring that Phoebus has died of his wounds, Jehan insists he has acted out of love for her, but Esmeralda spurns him. Meanwhile, disturbed by rumors that there may be an uprising over Esmeralda’s guilty verdict, the king orders her sentence to be carried out immediately. Informed of the event when Quasimodo rings the cathedral bell, the people gather in the square as Esmeralda is brought forth. Unaware for whom he has tolled the bell, Quasimodo watches the spectacle from the church parapet when he recognizes Esmeralda as the intended victim. Swinging down a rope to the church steps to rescue the only person who has shown him kindness, Quasimodo gathers up the prostrate Esmeralda and carries her into the cathedral as Don Claudio declares sanctuary. While the arch-deacon comforts Esmeralda, Clopin plans a rescue that will coincide with his long cherished dream of leading a rebellion against the aristocratic powers. Spurred on by Jehan, Clopin summons

people from around the countryside to join the rebellion in the cathedral square. Recovered from his wounds, Phoebus is overjoyed to discover that Esmeralda is still alive but as he goes to see her, learns that Clopin has begun his assault. Meanwhile, a frightened Quasimodo takes Esmeralda to the cathedral roof where, agitated by the attack, he flings a heavy wooden beam, then molten lead onto the crowds below. The guard’s arrival scatters the crowd, and while Quasimodo is distracted by the fighting, Jehan drags Esmeralda into a room and attempts to force himself upon her. Down in the streets, the fatally wounded Clopin calls on the masses to continue their struggle. Noticing Esmeralda’s disappearance, Quasimodo searches for her and, finding her under attack, furiously strangles Jehan, then drags him to the parapet. Just before Quasimodo hurls him over the ledge, Jehan stabs the hunchback in the back. A stunned Esmeralda is then rescued by Phoebus under the contented gaze of the wounded hunchback, who rings the church bell one last time. As the couple set off together, Don Claudio reaches the dying Quasimodo to offer his blessing. AFI

Film status: extant