''The Case of Becky'' is a 1921 American silent drama film based on a successful 1912 play written by

David Belasco David Belasco (July 25, 1853 – May 14, 1931) was an American theatrical producer, impresario, director, and playwright. He was the first writer to adapt the short story ''Madame Butterfly'' for the stage. He launched the theatrical career of m ...

and Edward J. Locke, ''The Case of Becky''. Belasco also produced the play, which starred his muse,

Frances Starr Frances Grant Starr (June 6, 1881 – June 11, 1973) was an American stage, film and television actress. Early years Starr's parents were Charles Edward Starr and Emma (''née'' Grant). She had two half sisters, and her father died when s ...

. The film was produced by Realart Pictures, directed by Chester M. Franklin, written by J. Clarkson Miller and released through

Paramount Pictures Paramount Pictures Corporation is an American film and television production company, production and Distribution (marketing), distribution company and the main namesake division of Paramount Global (formerly ViacomCBS). It is the fifth-oldes ...

. George J. Folsey was the cinematographer. The play was filmed earlier (in 1915) in a version starring

Blanche Sweet Sarah Blanche Sweet (June 18, 1896 – September 6, 1986) was an American silent film actress who began her career in the earliest days of the Hollywood motion picture film industry. Early life Born Sarah Blanche Sweet (though her first na ...

, which emphasized the horror elements.

Montagu Love Montagu Love (15 March 1877 – 17 May 1943) was an English screen, stage and vaudeville actor. Early years Born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, Love was the son of Harry Love and Fanny Louisa Love, née Poad; his father was listed as accountant ...

went on to star in several other silent horror films, ''The Haunted House'' (1929) and ''The Cat Creeps'' (1930).

Plot

Dorothy Stone (Binney) is the step-daughter of barn-storming hypnotist Professor Balzamo (Love), who has used her as his subject since childhood. During his hypnosis act, she becomes her evil alter ego named Becky. Her mother's deathbed warning leads Dorothy to leave the hypnotist and she finds shelter in a small town with Mrs. Arnold (Jennings) and her son John (Hunter), who falls in love with her. When he gives her an engagement ring, the flashing stone induces a reversion to her evil personality. The famous psychologist Dr. Emerson (McCormack) diagnoses her case correctly and attempts a cure. The chance visit by the hypnotist results in a situation where Dorothy is permanently cured and learns that she is actually the daughter of the physician. After Balzamo commits suicide, there is a happy ending.

Cast

* Constance Binney as Dorothy Stone * Glenn Hunter as John Arnold *Frank McCormack as Dr. Emerson *

as Professor Balzamo *

Margaret Seddon Margaret Seddon (November 18, 1872 – April 17, 1968) was an American stage and film actress. Biography She appeared in more than 100 films between 1915 and 1951. Her most memorable role was perhaps as one of The Pixilated Sisters, a come ...

as Mrs. Emerson *

Jane Jennings Jane Jennings was an American actress known for playing older motherly characters. In a 1918 edition of ''Motion Picture News'' she is described as a sweet looking little woman. Famous Players was one of the studios where she worked. She is on t ...

as Mrs. Arnold

Preservation status

A copy is held at

UCLA Film and Television Archive The UCLA Film & Television Archive is a visual arts organization focused on the preservation, study, and appreciation of film and television, based at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Also a nonprofit exhibition venue, the archiv ...

. This film was formerly thought to be lost. The Library of Congress/FIAF American Silent Feature Film Survival Catalog: ''The Case of Becky''
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References

External links

* *

Wayback Machine) 1921 films American silent feature films American films based on plays 1920s rediscovered films 1921 drama films Silent American drama films Films directed by Chester Franklin American black-and-white films Remakes of American films Rediscovered American films 1920s American films {{1920s-silent-drama-film-stub