The Unknown Purple
The Unknown Purple is a lost[3] 1923 American silent science fiction film, written and directed by Roland West.[4]
| The Unknown Purple | |
|---|---|
 Newspaper ad for The Unknown Purple | |
| Directed by | Roland West[1] |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Oliver T. Marsh[1] |
| Edited by | Alfred A. Cohn[2] |
Production companies | Carlos Productions[1] |
| Distributed by | Truart Film Corporation[2] |
Release date |
|
Running time | 92 minutes[2] |
Plot
After his release from prison, an inventor develops an eerie purple light that renders him invisible, enabling him to seek revenge on his unfaithful wife and his crooked business partner.
Production
Film historian Scott MacQueen cited "The Vanishing Men", a treatment West had targeted for film in 1921 as the inspiration for the film.[5] The film was adapted from a stage play which was written by Roland West and Carlyle Moore.[1] Comedian Johnny Arthur made his feature-length debut in The Unknown Purple.[6]
Cast
- Henry B. Walthall as Peter Marchmont
- Alice Lake as Jewel Marchmont
- Stuart Holmes as James Dawson
- Helen Ferguson as Ruth Marsh
- Frankie Lee as Bobbie
- Dorothy Phillips as Mrs. Freddie Goodlittle
- Ethel Grey Terry as Leslie Bradbury
- James Morrison as Leslie Bradbury
- Johnny Arthur as Freddie Goodlittle
- Richard Wayne as George Allison
- Brinsley Shaw as Hawkins
- Mike Donlin as Burton
Release
The Unknown Purple was released in October 1923.[2]
Reception
In a contemporary review, Variety described the film as an "exceptionally well-made picture - among the best of its type - a mystery."[1] The review praised the photography of Oliver Marsh and the acting by Henry Walthall and Alice Lake.[1]
References
Notes
- Willis, Donald, ed. (1985). Variety's Complete Science Fiction Reviews. Garland Publishing Inc. ISBN 0-8240-6263-9.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
- Soister, John T. (2004). Up from the Vault: Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s. McFarland. ISBN 0786417455.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)