Orphan Joyce

The day after the funeral of their beloved daughter, Mrs. Mason unexpectedly meets young orphan Joyce and is struck by her resemblance to her lost child. She and Mr. Mason adopt her and for a while all is well until Joyce begins to suspect Jenks the new butler. Her instinct proves correct: Jenks is the tool of Jim Vaughn, notorious leader of a burglary ring. One night while Mr. Mason is out trying to resolve some business difficulties, Jim Vaughn breaks into the house. Joyce, awakened, hears him removing valuables, aided by Jenks. Desperate, she grasps her foster father's revolver holding them at bay while phoning Mason. Arriving with the police, Vaughn is captured. Joyce is presented the $5,000 reward which she turns over to Mason, solving his problems.

Directed by Arthur Berthelet, Orphan Joyce leans on a strong ensemble — Joyce Fair, John Cossar, John A. Milton — 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.