Souls for Sale (1923)

Souls for Sale is a 1923 American silent comedy-drama romance film written, directed, and produced by Rupert Hughes. Based on the novel of the same name also by Rupert Hughes, the film stars Eleanor Boardman in her first leading role, having won a contract with Goldwyn Pictures through their highly publicized "New Faces of 1921" contest just two years prior.

The film is notable for its insights into the early film industry. Among the significant cameos in the film are appearances by directors King Vidor, Fred Niblo, Marshall Neilan, Charlie Chaplin, and Erich von Stroheim, as well as a number of actors, producers, and other filmmakers. Souls for Sale includes rare behind-the-scenes footage of Chaplin and von Stroheim directing the films A Woman of Paris and Greed, respectively.

Souls for Sale was previously thought to have been lost until incomplete prints of the film were rediscovered. The film was later restored and aired on Turner Classic Movies and was released on DVD in June 2009.

Synopsis

Remember "Mem" Steddon (Eleanor Boardman) marries Owen Scudder (Lew Cody) after a whirlwind courtship. However, on their wedding night, she has a change of heart. When the train taking them to Los Angeles stops for water, she impulsively and secretly gets off in the middle of the desert. Strangely, when Scudder realizes she is gone, he does not have the train stopped.

Actors