Defying Destiny | 1923 | Drama

Title: Defying Destiny | 1923 | Drama Director: Louis Chaudet Studio: Rellimeo Film Syndicate Starring: Monte Blue, Irene Rich, Tully Marshall, Jackie Saunders, Russell Simpson, James Gordon, Frona Hale Based on: Original screenplay by Grace Sanderson Michie Release Date: 1923 Runtime: Approximately 79 minutes Format: Silent black and white Country: United States Language: Silent with English intertitles Genres: Drama --- Chapters: 00:00:00 Jack Fenton’s heroic rescue and scarring 00:15:00 Life in Riverdale and bank employment 00:30:00 Romance with Beth Alden and club life 00:45:00 False accusation of embezzlement 01:00:00 Exile and transformation 01:15:00 Return incognito and vindication --- Summary: Defying Destiny is a 1923 American silent drama in which Jack Fenton, scarred while saving his sweetheart Beth Alden, rises in status in his small town, only to be falsely accused of embezzlement. Shunned by the community he once served, Jack exiles himself and later undergoes a plastic surgery transformation that allows him to return incognito to seek justice, reclaim his reputation, and reunite with Beth. --- Background: Directed by Louis Chaudet and released by Selznick Distributing Corporation, Defying Destiny was thought lost until a print was rediscovered in New Zealand and preserved by the George Eastman Museum. The film reflects both melodramatic narrative and a critique of small-town social judgement. --- Trivia: Prints of Defying Destiny were discovered in the New Zealand Film Archive after being believed lost for decades. The film features early performances by Monte Blue and Irene Rich, notable silent era actors. The title references themes of fate and social reputation central to the protagonist’s arc. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: 1923 Original Studio / Distributor: Rellimeo Film Syndicate / Selznick Distributing Corporation Copyright Status: Public Domain Renewal: Unknown --- Hashtags: #DefyingDestiny1923 #LouisChaudet #MonteBlue #IreneRich #SilentFilm #Drama #PublicDomain