Review of The Cheat (1915) by Joel A — 12 Mar 2017

One of the first major works of Cecile B. DeMille who went on to direct the Ten Commandments in 1956. An electrifying story of a young socialite (Fannie Ward) who gambles $10,000 from the Red Cross & loses it & strikes a deal with an Ivory Merchant.

For 1915 this films pulls all the punches & would have been a controversial film in its day. Most famous is the scene where Fannie Ware unable to pay back the Ivory Merchant he brands her with a Hot Spoke.

Made the career of Sessue Hayawaka largely known as the Japanese General from Bridge on the River Kwai. This film was a sensation in its Day & although 102 years old this year still is quite intriguing.