Sally of the Sawdust

After the death of her mother, who was disowned for marrying a circus performer, Sally (Carol Dempster) was raised by juggler and conman Eustace P McGargle (W C Fields). When she's grown up, Fields decides to find her grandparents, and sets a multiplicity of complications into motion. Adapted from the play Poppy, under which title it was remade in 1936 with Fields again starring, this silent version was the only feature-length comedy made by DW Griffith, but there's nothing in the piece to indicate that. Intriguing for Field junkies, it's also of interest for theatre lovers to see the revered legend Alfred Lunt in a rare and youthful screen outing as the romantic interest.