Mother

When architect Lee Ellis is discharged from his position in a large firm and has difficulty in finding a new job his devoted wife Mary invests in a business for him with a small legacy she had received. Soon they become prosperous allowing son Jerry to get his longed-for car, and daughter Betty to attend private school. Jerry goes a little jazz mad and rebels against his mother's influence. He decides to elope with gold-digging flapper Edna Larkin. Mary, learning of the plan, chases and saves Jerry when his train is wrecked though he sustains a broken leg. Seeing he has been foolish he straightens out and the family is reunited.

Directed by James Leo Meehan, Mother leans on a strong ensemble — Belle Bennett, Crauford Kent, William Bakewell — 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 1927.