A Gutter Magdalene

Maida Carrington goes to the city with gambler Jack Morgan but flees after witnessing him stealing money from Steve Boyce. Joining the Salvation Army, she meets a now destitute Steve in need of help. In time they fall in love and Steve proposes, but Maida feels guilt that her past association caused his downfall. She determines to find Morgan and reclaim Steve’s money, but when she does, he refuses, and a struggle follows resulting in Maida accidentally shooting Morgan with his own gun. The sheriff, aware of the gambler reputation, releases her and she and Steve marry.

Directed by George Melford, A Gutter Magdalene leans on a strong ensemble — Fannie Ward, Jack Dean, Charles West — 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.