Powers That Prey
Powers That Prey is a 1918 silent comedy-drama film directed by Henry King. The film is based on the story Extra! Extra! by Will M. Ritchey.[1] It is not known whether the film currently survives,[1] which suggests that it is a lost film.
Powers That Prey | |
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Still with Mary Miles Minter and Allan Forrest | |
Directed by | Henry King |
Written by | Will M. Ritchey |
Based on | Extra! Extra! by Will M. Ritchey |
Starring | Mary Miles Minter |
Cinematography | John F. Seitz |
Production company | American Film Company |
Distributed by | Mutual Film |
Release date |
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Running time | 5 reels |
Country | United States |
Language | Silent (English intertitles) |
Though critics were negative about the film, director King reported he enjoyed working with actress Mary Miles Minter.[2]
Plot
Burton Grant exposes politician Jarvis McVey as a crook in a newspaper and is run out of town. He asks his daughter Sylvia to turn his job at the Daily News over to editor Frank Summers. Sylvia has inherited her father's talents and decides to fire Frank and take over the newspaper herself. Meanwhile, Frank finds out McVey is involved in a scheme concerning the city franchise. When Sylvia is informed, she publishes the news. She publishes stories about merchants who do not do business in ways that she believes are correct, which almost ruins the paper. Soon, the townspeople are after her and her father comes back to protect her against the outraged townsfolk, while Frank concerns about proving her reliability. She is successful in preventing McVey from furthering his graft policies, and becomes engaged to Frank.[3][4]
Cast
- Mary Miles Minter as Sylvia Grant
- Allan Forrest as Frank Summers
- Harvey Clark as Burton Grant
- Clarence Burton as Jarvis McVey
- Lucille Ward as Mrs. Brackett
- Emma Kluge as Mrs. Sharon
- Perry Banks as George Lake
- Robert Miller as Bobs
References
- Progressive Silent Film List: The Powers That Prey at silentera.com
- The New York Times Review
- Turner Classic Movies - Synopsis
- "Reviews: Powers That Prey". Exhibitors Herald. New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company. 6 (11): 24. March 9, 1918.