The Dividend

Wealthy John Steele has a handsome young son, Frank, on whom he pins his hopes. But riches lead Frank not into social standing and duty, but into depravity, drug-addiction, criminal activity, and finally to tragedy.

Directed by Walter Edwards, Thomas H. Ince, The Dividend leans on a strong ensemble — William H. Thompson, Charles Ray, Margaret Thompson — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1916.