One of the Finest

A policeman and a factory worker are both courting a young lady who works at the plant. She favors the cop which distresses the worker who frames the policeman to appear drunk after he’s suffered a fall. The cop is dismissed in disgrace though the girl sticks by him while everyone else turns away. Wracked with guilt but fearful of coming forward his decision is made for him when the now former policeman saves the worker’s mother from an apartment fire. He admits his plot and the officer and the girl are wed.

Directed by —, One of the Finest leans on a strong ensemble — Lamar Johnstone, Anne Drew — 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 1913.