The Silent Accuser

The Silent Accuser is a 1924 American silent crime drama film directed by Chester M. Franklin. The film stars dog star Peter the Great, Eleanor Boardman, and Raymond McKee.^[1]

The Silent Accuser
Still with Peter the Great
Directed by	Chester M. Franklin
Written by	Jack Boyle and Chester M. Franklin
Starring	Eleanor Boardman Raymond McKee
Cinematography	Charles Dreyer
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn
Release date	November 24, 1924 (1924-11-24)
Running time	6 reels
Country	United States
Language	Silent (English intertitles)

Plot

As described in a review in a film magazine,^[2] while waiting for Jack (McKee), with whom she intends to elope, Barbara (Boardman) is accosted in her bedroom by Phil (Metcalfe), a boarder in her home, who is maddened with jealousy. Her screams attract her aged stepfather. She faints and Phil leaves the room in time to be met by the stepfather (Weigel), whom he kills. Peter, Jack's dog, witnesses the murder through the window. Phil escapes and Jack arrives just in time to be in a compromising position. He is convicted of the murder. Peter gains the confidence of the warden and carries messages between Jack and Barbara. When Jack escapes, Peter holds off the guards. Barbara and Jack and Peter cross the border. In a Mexican town they recognize Phil. Barbara lures Phil to their place of hiding, when Peter breaks loose and pursues the villain. After a long chase Peter finally is able to hold Phil at bay until the authorities arrive, when he confesses to the crime.

Cast

• Eleanor Boardman as Barbara Jane
• Raymond McKee as Jack
• Earl Metcalfe as Phil
• Paul Weigel as Stepfather
• Edna Tichenor as The Painted Lady

Preservation

A print of The Silent Accuser is reportedly held in the French archive Centre national du cinéma et de l'image animée in Fort de Bois-d'Arcy.^[3]