Right to Happiness (1919)
Directed by Alan Holubar
Genres - Drama |
Release Date - Aug 30, 1919 (USA - Unknown) |
Run Time - 71 min. |
Countries - United States |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Janiss Garza
American millionaire Hardcastle (Henry Barrows) is living in Petrograd when a pogrom occurs. His twin children are separated and he goes back to the States with one, Vivian, believing that the missing Sonia has died. Years pass and Vivian (Dorothy Phillips) becomes a frivolous member of society, while Sonia (also played by Phillips) is indeed alive and becomes an emissary for Lenin and communism and travels to the U.S. with her lover Paul (Robert Anderson). Hardcastle is tough on the workers at his company, and Sonia finds it easy to stir up trouble there. The workers revolt, and in the conflict, Sonia is shot and mortally wounded while trying to protect Vivian. When she is brought to Hardcastle's home, Sonia finally learns her real identity, and Hardcastle comes to the realization that downtrodden workers are people too, and he gives them a livable wage, while cutting down their hours. The picture's releasing studio, Universal Studios, went a bit too far -- to put it mildly! -- by calling this "the greatest love story ever told."