The Price of Possession (1921)
Romance | 27 February 1921
Director:
Hugh FordWriters:
Eve Unsell, Winifred BoggsCinematographer:
George FolseyProduction Company:
Famous Players-Lasky British ProducersAccording to the 13 Nov 1920 Motion Picture World, production was currently underway at Famous Players-Lasky Studios in Long Island City, NY. The story, set in Australia and the suburbs of London, England, had initially been intended as a British production by scenarist Eve Unsell. When it became apparent that a “suitable cast” could not be obtained in England, she resumed the project in the U.S. The article listed Joseph Boyle as assistant to director Hugh Ford, Lucien Tainguay as cameraman, and Fuller Mellish as a member of the cast.
The 25 Dec 1920 Motion Picture News and 31 Dec 1920 Wid’s Daily confirmed the completion of principal photography. The story by Winifred Boggs was reportedly based on one of her novels, although no title was specified. Writer Talbot Mundy was credited as technical consultant for sequences set in Australia. An item in the 28 Apr 1921 Wid’s Daily noted that the picture was Hugh Ford’s last for Famous Players-Lasky. Various sources have stated that he retired from filmmaking soon after its release.
The Price of Possession opened to mixed reviews, with several critics asserting that the story was unworthy of lead actress Ethel Clayton. A letter to the Jun 1921 Photoplay detailed a scene in which a character is clearly shot in the back, yet Ethel Clayton bathed the wound “somewhere in the region of his heart.”
...
According to the 13 Nov 1920 Motion Picture World, production was currently underway at Famous Players-Lasky Studios in Long Island City, NY. The story, set in Australia and the suburbs of London, England, had initially been intended as a British production by scenarist Eve Unsell. When it became apparent that a “suitable cast” could not be obtained in England, she resumed the project in the U.S. The article listed Joseph Boyle as assistant to director Hugh Ford, Lucien Tainguay as cameraman, and Fuller Mellish as a member of the cast.
The 25 Dec 1920 Motion Picture News and 31 Dec 1920 Wid’s Daily confirmed the completion of principal photography. The story by Winifred Boggs was reportedly based on one of her novels, although no title was specified. Writer Talbot Mundy was credited as technical consultant for sequences set in Australia. An item in the 28 Apr 1921 Wid’s Daily noted that the picture was Hugh Ford’s last for Famous Players-Lasky. Various sources have stated that he retired from filmmaking soon after its release.
The Price of Possession opened to mixed reviews, with several critics asserting that the story was unworthy of lead actress Ethel Clayton. A letter to the Jun 1921 Photoplay detailed a scene in which a character is clearly shot in the back, yet Ethel Clayton bathed the wound “somewhere in the region of his heart.”
After Jim Barston is mysteriously killed in Australia, his wife, Helen, lays claim to the estate of Gerald Mortimer Barston in England, asserting that her husband was the missing son and heir. In reality, Jim was the cousin of the true heir, who is also named Jim Barston. Despite having no legal proof, Helen convinces the trustees to accept her claim and is installed as mistress of the manor. Jim Barston appears and proves his identity, although Helen initially believes him to be an imposter. She finally relinquishes the estate, but Jim persuades her to stay and marry ...
After Jim Barston is mysteriously killed in Australia, his wife, Helen, lays claim to the estate of Gerald Mortimer Barston in England, asserting that her husband was the missing son and heir. In reality, Jim was the cousin of the true heir, who is also named Jim Barston. Despite having no legal proof, Helen convinces the trustees to accept her claim and is installed as mistress of the manor. Jim Barston appears and proves his identity, although Helen initially believes him to be an imposter. She finally relinquishes the estate, but Jim persuades her to stay and marry him.
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