The Unknown Purple

The Unknown Purple is a lost 1923 American silent science fiction film, written and directed by Roland West.

Plot

After his release from prison, an inventor develops an eerie purple light that renders him invisible, enabling him to seek revenge on his unfaithful wife and his crooked business partner.

Production

Film historian Scott MacQueen cited "The Vanishing Men", a treatment West had targeted for film in 1921 as the inspiration for the film. The film was adapted from a stage play which was written by Roland West and Carlyle Moore. Comedian Johnny Arthur made his feature-length debut in The Unknown Purple.

Cast

Henry B. Walthall as Peter Marchmont

Alice Lake as Jewel Marchmont

Stuart Holmes as James Dawson

Helen Ferguson as Ruth Marsh

Frankie Lee as Bobbie

Dorothy Phillips as Mrs. Freddie Goodlittle

Ethel Grey Terry as Leslie Bradbury

James Morrison as Leslie Bradbury

Johnny Arthur as Freddie Goodlittle

Richard Wayne as George Allison

Brinsley Shaw as Hawkins

Mike Donlin as Burton

Release

The Unknown Purple was released in October 1923.

Reception

In a contemporary review, Variety described the film as an "exceptionally well-made picture - among the best of its type - a mystery." The review praised the photography of Oliver Marsh and the acting by Henry Walthall and Alice Lake.

Contents

Plot

Production

Cast

Release

Reception

References