By Right of Purchase (1918) Norma Talmadge Film Corporation/Select Pictures Corporation. Presented by Joseph Schenck. Directed by Charles Miller. Scenario by Harry O Hoyt. Camera by Edward Wynard and Alfred Moses, Jr. Cast: Norma Talmadge, Eugene O'Brien, Ida Darling, William Courtleigh, Jr. Charles Wellesley, Florence B. Billings. 6 reels. A copy of this film is located at the Library of Congress (35 mm., some deterioration, possibly missing the last reel)

Review from Variety, March 22, 1918

Norma Talmadge has been supplied with an interesting picture story by Margery Laird Mason for her latest Select release and the scenario has been given a touch of reality by having the opening scenes set in "Hero-land," the big bazaar held at Grand Central Palace early in the winter. It is here that Margot Hughes is helping the Allied charity cause by posing as a fashionable fortune teller. And here, too, she meets Chadwick Himes, a successful young man of wealth whose position in society hasn't impaired his being a regular business man. Margot is infatuated with Dick Derwent, also in society, but basically "all wrong," and he extracts a living from precarious bucket shop manipulations. Chad Himes falls deeply in love with Margot. Since she doesn't reciprocate he offers her the odd contract of marrying her and if within two years he doesn't win her love she is not only to become free, but to be given a substantial fortune. When Margot finds from her mother that they are "on the rocks" financially Margot accepts. The bridal pair start off on a honeymoon aboard Chad's yacht, and, though it isn't specifically stated, the marriage is never actually consummated, though, of course, the ceremony has been performed. Whenever Chad would caress his bride she would remind him of his "promise." A storm arises, and with Margot quite miserable the yacht puts back to New York.

Himes, as time goes on loses faith that he will win his bride's regard, yet before his unseeing eyes she has really learned to love him. Derwent renews his friendship with Margot, who lends him money for his schemes. They being together sets the gossips' tongues wagging and Himes finally demands that she cease being seen with Derwent. Yet he discovers her coming from the man's apartment. She had gone there to demand the return of the money that she might explain all to her husband. But Chad leaves her in a rage, intent on sailing off on his yacht. Before he departs he learns the real purpose of Margot's visit to Derwent and his heart's desire is obtained when he finds her waiting for him aboard the boat--to really start off on their second honeymoon.

The picture is rather cleverly directed by Charles Miller. Just as a touch of reality was given the scenario, touches of realism were lent the action aboard the yacht. Motion inside the storm is an excellent illusion. Yet it was so strenuously done that the sides of the set wobbled with the movement.

"By Right of Purchase" is somewhat longer than the average feature length and might has been held down to the customary five reels. There are portions which could have been eliminated to accomplish that, but it makes a first-class program release. Miss Talmadge hasn't opportunity for much in an emotional way, but is characteristically good. Eugene O'Brien makes a splendid showing as Himes, and William Courtleigh, Jr. (who died on the day the picture was given a private showing) played equally well as Derwent. May Hopkins has a small but well-played bit as his mistress.

Viewing comments

One of those plots where a woman is forced to marry a rich man instead of the man she loves. But in this case it turns out the man she loves is a jerk and the rich man is more or less saintly (though Eugene O'Brien does have his obligatory scene of fighting off his lustful urges). Norma plays her part well, but her character comes off as a selfish spoiled brat (I think she's supposed to be sympathetic). One can't imagine what Gene sees in her. Of course, they somehow end up together but the characters are completely unconvincing.
Print viewed: 35 mm print at the Library of Congress.

Last revised, July 29, 2008