The Empty Cradle

Story

Synopsis

Disowned by her family for marrying beneath her class, Alice Larkin lives in a modest home with her husband, John, and their children. Meanwhile, wealthy Ethel Lewis is separated from her husband, Robert, because she refuses to have children. On Ethel's behalf, a lawyer offers Alice $50,000 in exchange for the adoption of her youngest child, Louise. After Alice reluctantly accepts, Ethel presents the child to Robert as their own. Alice visits the Lewis home frequently, rekindling Robert's long-dormant romantic feelings for her. John is consumed with jealousy and attempts to shoot Robert, but accidentally hits Louise. Alice then awakens to find that it was a horrible dream. She refuses the lawyer's offer just as her Aunt Martha enters with apologies and Christmas presents.

Director

Burton L. King

Writers

Leota Morgan

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

1 May 1923

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Mary Alden

  Alice Larkin

• 

  Harry T. Morey

  John Larkin

• 

  Mickey Bennett

  Buddy Larkin

• Edward Quinn

  Frankie Larkin

• 

  Helen Rowland

  Baby Louise

• 

  Coit Albertson

  Robert Lewis

• Madeline La Varre

  Ethel Lewis

• 

  Ricca Allen

  Martha Blake

• 

  Marcia Harris

  Samantha Adams