The Sentimental Lady

When he wasn't churning out "Curses, foiled again!" melodramas, playwright Owen Davis Sr. specialized in such social dramas as The Sentimental Lady. Irene Fenwick stars as Amy Cary, who has invested her life savings in a utility stock. Amy's fiance Norman Van Aulsten (John Davidson) is saddled with a crooked father (Thomas McGrath), whose Wall Street shenanigans threaten to wipe out Amy and the rest of the stockholders. Fortunately, crusading attorney Bob Nelson (Jack Devereaux) manages to prevent this financial catastrophe.

Directed by Walter Edwin, The Sentimental Lady leans on a strong ensemble — Irene Fenwick, Frank Belcher, John Davidson — 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 1915.