The Golden God

George Woods is leading a happy and contented life with his wife and little daughter in the small town of Milford when millionaire Cyrus Morton from New York offers to make him his chauffeur. George accepts and goes to the city where he finds everyone preoccupied with the pursuit of wealth. The fever enters his blood, and upon finding Morton's lost wallet, George takes the money and plunges into the stock market. His investment is successful, and from then on he becomes obsessed with money, forgetting his wife and child in his vain pursuit. But even with the vast wealth he accumulates, George finds that he is unhappy. Through his wife Mary's efforts, he finally realizes that true happiness cannot be found in the accumulation of riches, but lies in simpler pleasures.

Directed by —, The Golden God leans on a strong ensemble — Alma Hanlon, Charles Hutchison, Florence Short — 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 1917.