Acquitted (1916 film)
Acquitted is a 1916 American silent mystery film produced by the Fine Arts Film Company and distributed by Triangle Film Corporation. Paul Powell directed a screenplay by Roy Somerville based on a 1907 short story by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Tod Browning served as an uncredited writer. This film marks the first starring role of Wilfred Lucas, and may mark Bessie Love's film debut. The film is presumed lost. Plot. The police accuse innocent bookkeeper John Carter (Lucas) of having committed the murder of a cashier. A reporter, who is in love with Carter's daughter (Love ), proves that Carter is innocent. After a time, Carter's daughter convinces his former employer to hire him back. Production. Bessie Love wore some of her own clothing as her wardrobe in the film. Release and reception. The film was heavily censored in Ohio, with scenes of violence and drug sales and use removed before distribution. The film was well-reviewed. Wilfred Lucas received positive reviews for his performance in the lead role, as did Powell's direction. Bessie Love was positively likened to her contemporaries Mary Pickford and Mae Marsh.