Manslaughter (1922)

In Manslaughter (1922), we witness the enthralling tale of Lydia Thorne, a wealthy thrill-seeker with a penchant for speed and indulgence. Ignorant of the consequences of her actions, she remains indifferent when her maid, Evans, is imprisoned for her jewel theft. The district attorney, Daniel O'Bannon, attempts to show Lydia the error of her ways - only to be met with a scene of debauchery that draws chilling parallels to a Roman orgy. When Lydia's reckless driving results in the death of a motorcycle policeman, O'Bannon feels duty-bound to prosecute her, hoping that the harsh reality of prison will serve as a wake-up call. This decision, however, is not without its repercussions. Lydia's rejection of the love-struck O'Bannon plunges him into a spiral of alcoholism and self-destruction. As O'Bannon drowns in his sorrows, Lydia's time in prison sparks a transformation. She begins to regret her past actions, realizing her love for O'Bannon and deciding to turn over a new leaf. Upon her release, she collaborates with Evans to open a soup kitchen, dedicating herself to charity work. A chance encounter with O'Bannon sets him on the path to recovery, and with Lydia's unwavering support, he slowly regains his former self. Driven by his newfound strength, O'Bannon decides to run for governor. However, when he realizes that Lydia's tarnished past may jeopardize his political career, he withdraws his candidacy. Choosing love over ambition, he decides to marry Lydia, marking the end of a tumultuous chapter and the beginning of their journey towards redemption.

Manslaughter is a drama movie featuring Dorothy Cumming and directed by Cecil B. DeMille.

Manslaughter is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Public Domain Movies.