The Duke Steps Out on AllMovie

Directed by James Cruze, this silent drama stars William Haines as Duke, a wealthy young heir who takes up prizefighting in order to prove that he doesn't need his father's money to make it in life. However, when he meets a beautiful college co-ed named Susie (Joan Crawford), he decides to halt his boxing plans and enroll in college. Most of the co-eds' curiosities are piqued by their new student's chauffeur and house full of servants, but Duke (Haines) is only interested in Susie. Despite her initial dislike, the feeling eventually becomes mutual. Unfortunately for the both of them, Duke's trainer falsely informs Susie that Duke is dating a New York chorus girl. Things come to a head when Duke emerges victorious from a highly-anticipated San Francisco fight, and Susie learns that the student Duke is actually the boxer Duke--and that there is no chorus girl.