The Magic Cup

Mary Malloy works as a scullery maid in a hotel. She meets reporter Bob Norton, who soon falls in love with her. When Mary learns that one of her friends is to be evicted, she pawns an old silver goblet with her family crest in order to get money to forestall the eviction. The pawnbrokers, realizing how valuable the goblet is, hatch a scheme to use Mary as a patsy while they substitute fake pearls for the real thing. Bob, however, becomes suspicious.

Directed by John S. Robertson, The Magic Cup leans on a strong ensemble — Constance Binney, Vincent Coleman, Blanche Craig — 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.