The Phone Message

When Dr. Carson marries Daphne Standing among the guests is her former suitor, Laurelton. The couple are happy but as Laurelton's jealousy grows, he gets drunk and decides to have his way with Daphne. He leaves an urgent phone message for Carson to hurry to his office because of an accident. Watching him depart Laurelton tries to enter the apartment but Daphne takes refuge in a locked room calling Carson who rushes home and finds Laurelton trying to break into his wife's room. They fight until the police intervene but when Carson opens her door Daphne, believing he is Laurelton, shoots him. His injury is minor, and the officers take Laurelton in charge.

Directed by Allen Holubar, The Phone Message leans on a strong ensemble — Allen Holubar, Ruth Stonehouse, Jack Holt — 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 1916.