Where to Watch in United States
Free
Plot
In the heart of the city, two lives intersect in the intricate tapestry of fate, two baby girls born mere moments apart, yet destined for divergent paths. Molly Helmer, the offspring of a thief, lives in stark contrast to Florence Banning, the daughter of the judge who condemns Molly's father to a life behind bars. This silent film, Lady of the Night, beautifully encapsulates their lives as they converge at the precipice of adulthood.
Florence Banning, emerging from the cocoon of the elite Girls Select School, and Molly Helmer, an orphan released from the confines of reform school, are both portrayed with incredible nuance by Norma Shearer. Despite their identical faces, their divergent life experiences have shaped them into remarkably different women.
Molly's new life swirls around the lively rhythm of Kelly's Dance Hall, with her devoted admirer, Chunky Dunn, always lurking in the shadows. It's during one such night that she encounters David Page, a promising inventor and a beacon of virtue in her world. Molly, smitten, urges David to find a legitimate buyer for his revolutionary safe-cracking invention, much to Chunky's chagrin who sees an opportunity for personal gain.
Following Molly's advice, David finds himself in the company of affluent investors, among them the now-retired Judge Banning, Florence's father. At the judge's home, David meets Florence and is captivated by her innocent charm, a trait that Molly, despite her best efforts, struggles to emulate.
Lady of the Night then unveils a profound tale of two women in love with the same man, each willing to forfeit their claim for the other. Florence, in her naivety, believes Molly has a stronger hold on David, while Molly, in her self-deprecation, deems herself unworthy of his love. Through subtle performance and skilled direction, we watch as Molly evolves, shedding her hardened exterior to reveal a selfless spirit, and becoming the woman she had always aspired to be.
For those who dismiss silent films as devoid of depth, Lady of the Night serves as a poignant testament to the contrary. This film, steeped in sentimentalism, paints the silent era in vibrant hues of emotion, rendering it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
Where to watch Lady of the Night?
Lady of the Night is a drama movie featuring Gwen Lee and directed by Monta Bell.
Lady of the Night is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Public Domain Movies.