Anna Ascends

While working in Siad Coury’s coffeehouse in a Syrian neighborhood of New York City, Syrian immigrant Anna Ayyob falls in love with reporter, Howard Fisk, who is investigating a jewel smuggling ring. When she discovers that her co-worker, “The Baron,” is involved with international thieves Count and Countess Rostoff, Anna telephones Howard with the information, but the Baron attacks her. During the encounter, she believes she accidentally kills him, and disappears. Three years later, after anonymously writing a widely popular novel called Anna Ascends, based on her own life, Anna again meets Howard Fisk. To save Howard’s sister, Bessie Fisk, from marrying Count Rostoff, Anna exposes the jewel thief and confesses to the Baron’s murder. Fortunately, Howard’s investigation discloses that the Baron is very much alive. Her named cleared, Anna marries Howard.

Directed by Victor Fleming, Anna Ascends leans on a strong ensemble — Alice Brady, Robert Ellis, David Powell — 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 1922.