THE TRESPASSER (1929) Gloria Swanson, Robert Ames & Purnell Prattt | Drama | B&W | Vintage Cinema

Please visit our streaming service at https://lostnfoundfilms.uscreen.io/

The Trespasser is a 1929 American pre-Code film written and directed by Edmund Goulding and starring Gloria Swanson, Robert Ames, Purnell Pratt, Henry B. Walthall, and Wally Albright. The film was released by United Artists in both silent and sound versions.

Synopsis:

Marion Donnell, a stenographer in Chicago (Gloria Swanson) elopes with wealthy Jack Merrick (Robert Ames). Their marriage is opposed by his father (William Holden) who considers Marion a fortune-hunter and demands that Jack have the marriage annulled. Marion, furious that Jack has not defended her and stood up to his father, leaves him. Eighteen months later, unbeknownst to Jack, she has given birth to their son, Jackie, and is living alone to raise him. Unable to meet her bills and provide support she becomes a "kept woman" for her employer, Hector Ferguson (Purnell Pratt) an older, married man. He puts her up in a lavish apartment on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive, providing her with clothing, jewels, servants and means. When Ferguson collapses, suddenly at his club, his wife (Mary Forbes) calls for Marion, telling her that he has asked for her at his deathbed. He dies leaving Marion a $500,000 inheritance and the press is quick to publicize their illicit relationship, casting doubts upon the paternity of Marion's child.

Seeking protection for her son, she sends for Jack, now remarried to Catherine "Flip" Carson. (Kay Hammond) When Marion presents Jack with his son they rekindle their love for each other, Jack making plans to abandon his wife. However, Flip comes to visit Marion; having been injured in an automobile accident on a honeymoon trip to France, she requires a wheelchair and is unable to bear children. She declares that she is prepared to let Jack go, due to her disability and because she knows that he is still in love with Marion. Deeply moved by Flip's sacrifice, and for the sake of her child, she sends Jackie to live with Jack and Flip. She sinks to the floor in despair as Jackie's nanny, Mrs. Potter (Blanche Friderici) leads him away. She returns the $500,000 to Ferguson's estate and relocates to New York. Some years later, Flip has died leaving Marion and Jack free to reunite.

Cast & Crew:

Gloria Swanson as Marion Donnell
Robert Ames as Jack Merrick
Purnell Pratt as Hector Ferguson
Henry B. Walthall as Fuller
Wally Albright as Jackie
William Holden as John Merrick Sr.
Blanche Friderici as Miss Potter (as Blanche Frederici)
Kay Hammond as Catherine 'Flip' Merrick
Mary Forbes as Mrs. Ferguson

Directed by: Edmund Goulding
Written by: Edmund Goulding
Produced by: Joseph P. Kennedy
Cinematography: George Barnes, Gregg Toland
Edited by: Cyril Gardner
Music by: Josiah Zoro, Edmund Goulding (song: Love, Your Magic Spell Is Everywhere, lyrics by Elsie Janis)
Distributed by: United Artists
Release Dates: November 1, 1929 (New York City), November 11, 1929
Running Time: 90 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Marcelle Corday as Blanche