A Modern Hero (1934)

Pierre, a charismatic circus performer, lives a life filled with fleeting love affairs, much to his mother's chagrin. However, true love finally captures his heart, stirring his mother's concern. Unveiling a long-kept secret, she discloses Pierre's lineage, revealing his father as a man of immense wealth, a union she couldn't pursue due to their circus existence. Emboldened by his newfound identity, Pierre uses it as a catapult into the realms of fortune and renown. As the era of automobile innovation dawns, he seizes the opportunity and becomes a successful car manufacturer. With the outbreak of war, he diversifies into arms dealing, further expanding his empire. Yet, his relentless ambition begins to erode his relationships, with his obliviousness to his overreaching ambitions adding to his downfall. The tale of Pierre showcases a mesmerizing journey of love, ambition, and the cost of overreach, set against the vibrant backdrop of the circus, the roar of early motor cars, and the turmoil of war.

A Modern Hero is a drama movie featuring Richard Barthelmess.

A Modern Hero is currently streaming on TCM.