The Girl Without a Soul

Viola Dana is terrific in dual roles as twin sisters somewhere in rural America. Priscilla is daddy's pet, a violinist with talent; Unity is untalented and acts as the household drudge.

Unity is sweet on the village blacksmith (Robert Walker) but Priscilla falls for a Russian violinist (Fred C. Jones) from a nearby artists' colony who's a bad seed. Walker is holding the church's savings which will go toward a new organ and he's also got a small savings toward his marriage to Unity.

Walker pays to send Unity to a school for a year and meanwhile Priscilla falls into the Russian's clutches. When Unity blabs about Walker's savings, Priscilla plans to steal it but changes her mind. The Russian then forces her to steal the money. When the organ is delivered the town finds out the money is missing and they arrest Walker. Unity knows who has stolen the money but has promised her sister she won't tell. During the trial against the blacksmith Priscilla finally admits the truth and Walker bolts from the courtroom to chase down the fleeing Russian in a slam-bang ending.

Directed by John H. Collins who also wrote the scenario. Viola Dana certainly ranks among the best actresses of the silent era. Walker also co-starred with Dana in BLUE JEANS where he was tied to a log and headed for the giant buzz saw. Russell Simpson plays the judge and Margaret Seddon (billed as Minnie Stanley) plays the town's modiste.