The Madness of Youth

After eluding authorities, Jaca Javalie goes to the home of wealthy Theodore Banning, where he professes to be a man of magic who learned his skills in India. He demonstrates his ability by bringing peace to the Banning home. In actuality, he plans to rob Banning's private vault. When he tries to commit the robbery, he is stopped by a guest who promises to say nothing in exchange for a portion of the loot. Javalie makes another attempt to break into the vault, but the same power that he had exerted over the Banning family compels him to stop. He confesses what he had planned to do and wins the hand of Banning's daughter Nanette. A lost film.

Directed by Jerome Storm, The Madness of Youth leans on a strong ensemble — John Gilbert, Billie Dove, Donald R. O. Hatswell — 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.