Pagan Love

Coming to the U.S. from his native land to study Western civilization and continue work for his government young Chinaman Tsing Yu-Ch'ing attends an American university, then launches a Chinese newspaper in New York City. He also falls in love with the lovely Kathleen Levinsky who is blind. The daughter of a Jewish father and an Irish mother. Kathleen's life is barren of love, and she gladly accepts his attentions. When Dr. Hardwick, a classmate from college, calls on Tsing and meets Kathleen, he offers to cure her blindness through surgery. The operation is a success, but the newly sighted Kathleen is visibly upset by Tsing's appearance. After saving Kathleen from a killer known as the Hatchetman, Tsing returns to China and commits suicide, believing he will find eternal love with her in the afterlife.

Directed by Hugo Ballin, Pagan Love leans on a strong ensemble — Togo Yamamoto, Mabel Ballin, Rockliffe Fellowes — 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 1920.