The Cheat

The story of a wealthy society matron who loses a large sum of money that does not belong to her in stock speculation. As a result of her indiscretion, she falls into the clutches of a rich Burmese ivory merchant. The film reveals the strong racism of the period and is almost equally anti-feminist. In addition, there are elements of sado-masochism in a climactic scene where the merchant brands the woman with his red-hot seal. (Circulates)

Socialite Edith Hardy asks for $10,000 from a Japanese admirer to pay the price of her virtue. When she refuses to pay him back, he brands her on the back of the shoulder with the seal with which he marks all of his property. Edith shoots him in the shoulder, then flees, and he confesses to the crime to protect his wife. When he is found guilty, Edith rushes to the judge and announces she did it.