The Test of Honor is a 1919 American silent drama film produced by Famous Players–Lasky, released by Paramount, directed by John S. Robertson, and starring John Barrymore. Considered the actor's first drama movie role after years of doing film comedies and farces. It is based on author E. Phillips Oppenheim 1906 novel The Malefactor.
The film was made at Famous Players' East Coast facility and released prior to Robertson and Barrymore's famous Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920).
Plot Martin Wingrave is arrested and sent to prison for seven years for a crime he didn't commit. While incarcerated he learns that his girlfriend and her male accomplice framed him for the crime. When Wingrave is released he plots revenge against his former girl and her man. However he begins a romance with his neighbor, a young woman who truly loves him and warms his heart.
Cast John Barrymore as Martin Wingrave Constance Binney as Juliet Hollis Marcia Manon as Ruth Curtis Robert Schable as Dr. George Lumley J. W. Johnston as Mr. Curtis Bigelow Cooper as Judge Ferris Ned Hay as Lovell Alma Aiken as Mrs. Farrell Fred Miller as Zeke
uncredited Louis Wolheim as Man / Devil In Dream Rock Island Argus, May 10, 1919, article by Daisy Dean; Chronicling America - Library of Congress
Preservation status The Test of Honor is now considered a lost film.Progressive Silent Film List: The Test of Honor at silentera.comThe American Film Institute Catalog Feature Films:1911-20 by The American Film Institute, c.1988(Wayback Machine)
See also List of lost films John Barrymore filmography
References
External links
The Test of Honor at SilentEra Synopsis to The Test of Honor at AllMovie The Bennington Evening Banner., February 11, 1920, Page Six John and Louis Wolheim in the film