The Third Degree 1926

Synopsis:

Alicia, a circus artist, deserts her husband and child to elope with Underwood, her handsome lover. Fifteen years later, Annie Martin, Alicia's deserted daughter, is a trapeze performer in a sideshow at Coney Island, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Chubb, and has married Howard Jeffries in spite of opposition by his wealthy parents. Jeffries, Sr., hires a man (Underwood) to separate the young couple. Underwood convinces the newlyweds that each is being unfaithful to the other, and consequently, he is threatened by Howard. Driven to fury by Underwood's uncontrollable demands, Alicia shoots him in a quarrel and makes her escape just as Howard enters; despite his innocence, Howard confesses to the crime when subjected to the third degree. Annie, realizing her mother's guilt, claims to be guilty, but Alicia then confesses. Annie is saved from suicide by Howard, and they are united by love.

Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Written by: C. Graham Baker & Charles Klein
Runtime: 80 minutes
Cast:
Dolores Costello
Dolores Costello
Annie Daly 
Louise Dresser
Louise Dresser
Alicia Daly 
Rockliffe Fellowes
Rockliffe Fellowes
Underwood 
Jason Robards Sr.
Jason Robards Sr.
Howard Jeffries Jr. 
Kate Price
Kate Price
Mrs. Chubb 
Tom Santschi
Tom Santschi
Daredevil Daley