By Right of Purchase is a 1918 American silent drama film starring Norma Talmadge in a story produced by her husband Joseph Schenck. The film was distributed by Lewis J. Selznick's Select Pictures company. An up-and-coming actress and soon to be gossip columnist Hedda Hopper has a small role in this picture.

By Right of Purchase
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Directed byCharles Miller
Written byHarry Hoyt (scenario)
Story byMargery Land May
Produced byJoseph Schenck
StarringNorma Talmadge
CinematographyAlfred Huger Moses
Edward Wynard
Production
company
Norma Talmadge Film Corporation
Distributed bySelect Pictures
Release date
  • February 1918 (1918-02)
Running time
72 mins.
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)
Lobby card

Plot

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As described in a film magazine,[1] against the promptings of her heart, Margot Hughes (Talmadge) marries Chadwick Himes (O'Brien) and completely ignores the fact that her husband is very much in love with her. As a result, Chadwick comes to believe that it is impossible to win the love of his wife, and becomes cold towards her just as her love for him begins to awaken. There is a decided breach between them and when Margot takes up with Dick Derwent (Courtleigh), even though her husband forbids it, they break altogether. Through a friend Chadwick learns that his wife loves him. He goes to their home to beg for her forgiveness only to find it empty. He goes to his yacht for seclusion only to find Margot there, and they have a happy reunion.

Cast

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Preservation status

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The film survives today in the Library of Congress, albeit with some reported deterioration in the sixth and last reel.[2][3]

References

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  1. ^ "Reviews: By Right of Purchase". Exhibitors Herald. 6 (15). New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company: 30. April 6, 1918.   This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ Progressive Silent Film List: By Right of Purchase at silentera.com
  3. ^ By Right of Purchase at Unsung Divas database
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