And the Law Says

Under an assumed name, law student Lawrence Kirby courts the daughter of Dr. Cartmell. When she becomes pregnant, however, Lawrence leaves town to escape the responsibility of rearing his illegitimate child. Years later Kirby, now a judge and a stern proponent of capital punishment, unknowingly sentences his innocent son to death in the electric chair on the basis of circumstantial evidence. As the youth is about to be executed, his identity is revealed and the horrified Kirby relents. The judge's plea for mercy is ignored, however, and his son electrocuted. Immediately afterwards, Dr. Cartmell, a longstanding opponent of the death penalty, revives the lad and restores him to his mother.

Directed by Richard Bennett, And the Law Says leans on a strong ensemble — Richard Bennett, George Periolat, Adrienne Morrison — 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.