The Ne'er-Do-Well

Disgusted with his spendthrift son, Kirk Anthony's father has Kirk shanghaied and taken to Panama, where he attracts the attention of Mrs. Edith Cortlandt. He subsequently falls in love with Chiquita, the daughter of a Panamanian general, gets a railroad job through Stephen Cortlandt and decides to make something of himself when he meets Allen Allan, a black mercenary. Stephen Cortlandt's death is blamed on Kirk until Edith produces a suicide note. He succeeds in his railroad position and returns to the United States with Chiquita to ask his father's forgiveness. A lost film.

Directed by Alfred E. Green, The Ne'er-Do-Well leans on a strong ensemble — Thomas Meighan, Lila Lee, Gertrude Astor — 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 comedy titles of 1923.