Power of a Lie

• 1922

• Watchlist

This dramatic Universal programmer was based on the novel by Johann Bojer. Building contractor John Hammond (David Torrance) has been trying to help his friend Richard Burton (Earl Metcalfe) get a foothold in respectable society. Burton, who is engaged to Hammond's sister Betty (Mabel Julienne Scott), really wants to put an end to his wild ways, but some old pals throw him a Bacchanalian surprise party. Hammond inadvertently winds up in the middle of the festivities because he shows up with a bank note which he has endorsed for Burton. The party creates a scandal and Betty dumps her fiancé. Hammond lies to his snooty wife, Joan (Maud George) and says he was never there. As a result, Burton is arrested for supposedly forging the note. Hammond is reluctant to admit that he lied, but he finally confesses. Burton is acquitted, and he and Betty reconcile.