At the Stage Door

As children, sisters Helen Mathews and Mary Mathews couldn't be more dissimilar--Helen is selfish, thoughtless and self-centered, while Mary is exactly the opposite. Later, Helen--out of spite--steals Mary's boyfriend. May has enough and leaves home to become a chorus girl in New York City. She eventually becomes a star and attracts a young millionaire, Philip Pierce, but--to the astonishment of the other chorus girls--she turns him down. Philip, however, doesn't intend to take this rejection without a fight.

Directed by Christy Cabanne, At the Stage Door leans on a strong ensemble — Billie Dove, Frances Hess, Elizabeth North — 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 1921.