The White Flower

Konia Markham, the daughter of an American father and a Hawaiian mother, is told by a sorceress that the man who presents her with a perfect white flower will be her true love. When Bob Rutherford offers a gardenia to Konia at a banquet, David Panuahi, a rejected suitor, becomes even more jealous and persuades Konia to have the kahuna put a death curse on Bob's fiancee, Ethel Granville. Bob's devotion to a failing Ethel softens Konia, however, and she has the curse removed. She is about to jump into a volcano when Bob, now released by Ethel from their engagement, finds her and declares his love.

Directed by Julia Crawford Ivers, The White Flower leans on a strong ensemble — Betty Compson, Edmund Lowe, Edward Martindel — 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 1923.