The Third Degree

Story

Synopsis

Alicia, a circus artist, deserts her husband and child to elope with Underwood, her handsome lover. Fifteen years later, Annie Martin, Alicia's deserted daughter, is a trapeze performer in a sideshow at Coney Island, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Chubb, and has married Howard Jeffries in spite of opposition by his wealthy parents. Jeffries, Sr., hires a man (Underwood) to separate the young couple. Underwood convinces the newlyweds that each is being unfaithful to the other, and consequently, he is threatened by Howard. Driven to fury by Underwood's uncontrollable demands, Alicia shoots him in a quarrel and makes her escape just as Howard enters; despite his innocence, Howard confesses to the crime when subjected to the third degree. Annie, realizing her mother's guilt, claims to be guilty, but Alicia then confesses. Annie is saved from suicide by Howard, and they are united by love.

Director

Michael Curtiz

Writers

Charles Klein, C. Graham Baker

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

1 December 1926

Ensemble

Cast

• 

  Dolores Costello

  Annie Daly

• 

  Louise Dresser

  Alicia Daly

• 

  Rockliffe Fellowes

  Underwood

• 

  Jason Robards Sr.

  Howard Jeffries Jr.

• 

  Kate Price

  Mrs. Chubb

• 

  Tom Santschi

  Daredevil Daley

• 

  Harry Todd

  Mr. Chubb

• 

  Mary Louise Miller

  Annie as a baby

• 

  Michael Vavitch

  Clinton - Chief of Detectives

• 

  David Torrence

  Howard Jeffries Sr.

• 

  Fred Kelsey

  Assistant Chief of Detectives

• Margaret Gray

  Young Lady (uncredited)