Society for Sale

Synopsis

In the silent film Society for Sale, directed by Frank Borzage, the story revolves around a struggling inventor, John Pennington, portrayed by William Desmond, who faces financial ruin as he tries to market his revolutionary invention. In a bid to save his reputation and secure his family's future, Pennington enters a social experiment where he sells himself as a 'slave' to a wealthy man. The film explores themes of class divide, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of wealth. As the drama unfolds, Pennington must navigate the treacherous waters of high society while trying to hold on to his dignity and integrity. Society for Sale is a poignant tale of sacrifice and redemption in a world where everything, even society itself, is up for sale.

Cast

• 

  William Desmond

  Honorable Billy

• 

  Gloria Swanson

  Phylis Clyne

• 

  Herbert Prior

  Lord Sheldon

• Charles Dorian

  Furnival

• 

  Lillian West

  Vi Challoner

• 

  Lillian Langdon

  Lady Mary

Reviews

Society for Sale has been praised for its compelling narrative and strong performances. The film beautifully captures the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, with William Desmond delivering a standout performance as John Pennington. Rotten Tomatoes describes the film as 'a thought-provoking exploration of societal values' and commends its timely themes. Meanwhile, IMDb users have given the film a solid rating of 6.9/10, with many praising its engaging storyline and emotional depth. Metacritic notes the film's powerful message about the dangers of unchecked capitalism, making Society for Sale a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.