Watch One is Business, the Other Crime

One is Business, the Other Crime is a silent film from 1912 that follows the story of a wealthy businessman named John Stafford and his wife Elizabeth. When John's business partner, Harry Wilton, is found dead in his office, John is the prime suspect. The film begins with John and Harry discussing business in their office. They seem to be cordial and friendly with each other, but as the conversation goes on, it becomes clear that there is tension between them. Harry accuses John of cheating him out of profits, and John defends himself by saying that he's running the business the same way he always has. The argument ends when Harry storms out of the room.

Later that night, the police arrive at John's home and inform him of Harry's murder. John is taken to the police station for questioning, and he maintains his innocence throughout. Elizabeth is distraught and doesn't understand why her husband could be considered a murderer.

As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there were many people who had motives to kill Harry, including his own wife and the maid who works in their home. The maid suggests to the police that John may be involved in the crime, and they start to put pressure on him to confess.

The film is full of suspense as John tries to clear his name and find out who really killed Harry. There are several tense scenes where John is interrogated by the police, and he must use his wit and intelligence to outsmart them.

One interesting aspect of the film is the portrayal of women. While Elizabeth is just a supportive wife to John, the maid and Harry's wife both play active roles in the investigation. They are smart, resourceful, and not afraid to take risks to protect themselves and their interests.

The acting in One is Business, the Other Crime is top-notch. Charles West is convincing as the smooth-talking businessman who must fight for his freedom, and Dorothy Bernard delivers a heartfelt performance as his wife. Edwin August is also notable as the tough detective who is convinced of John's guilt.

The film was directed by D.W. Griffith, who would go on to become one of the most important filmmakers in history. While One is Business, the Other Crime is not as well-known as some of his later works, it is still an important piece of film history. It showcases Griffith's talent for building tension and suspense, and it also reflects the social norms and gender roles of the time.

In conclusion, One is Business, the Other Crime is a suspenseful and engaging silent film that showcases great performances and expert direction. It is a must-see for fans of classic cinema and anyone interested in the history of film.