Is The Cheat Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Cheat is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 59 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Cheat Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1915, The Cheat emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A venal, spoiled stockbroker's wife impulsively embezzles $10,000 from the charity she chairs and desperately turns to a Burmese ivory trader to replace the stolen money. Unlike standard genre fare, The Cheat attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Cheat features a noteworthy lineup led by Fannie Ward . Supported by the likes of Sessue Hayakawa and Jack Dean , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Cheat (1915) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Cheat Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Cheat is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Cheat Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Cheat concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Cheat reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Cheat?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Cheat Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $17.3K |
| Worldwide Gross | $137.4K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Cheat Budget
The estimated production budget for The Cheat is $17.3K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Cheat
- Fannie Ward – Edith Hardy
- Sessue Hayakawa – Hishuru Tori [Haka Arakau]
- Jack Dean – Richard Hardy
- James Neill – Jones
- Yutaka Abe – Tori's valet
Top Highlights
Fannie WardEdith Hardy
Sessue HayakawaHishuru Tori [Haka Arakau]
Jack DeanRichard Hardy
James NeillJones
Yutaka AbeTori's valet
Dana OngDistrict attorney
Hazel ChildersMrs. Reynolds
Arthur H. WilliamsCourtroom judge
Dick La RenoCourtroom Spectator (uncredited)
Lucien LittlefieldHardy's Secretary (uncredited)
Where to Watch The Cheat Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
The Cheat is rated NR.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, The Cheat stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1915 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Cheat movie hit or flop?
The Cheat has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Cheat worth watching?
The Cheat is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Cheat online?
The Cheat may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for The Cheat
Vaudevillian Fannie Ward made her cinematic debut here as "Edith", a rather shallow woman married to Jack Dean ("Richard"), a stockbroker. She lives for life's fripperies, and when he starts bemoaning the amounts of money she is frittering away on luxuries, she decides to procure some cash of her own by embezzling $10,000 from a charity she runs. Desperate to return the money, she turns to the distinctly shady Burmese ivory trader "Hishiru Tori" (Sessue Hayakawa) who offers her a deal - but at an horrible price... It has a very theatrical style to it, this production, but that's not a bad thing. It helps us to focus on the characters - with Ward, and particularly the sinister "Tori" - working well to create the atmospheric, shadowy - almost menacing, look of the film. The use of light and shade is also used to good effect for that purpose too, and although the ending runs a bit to melodrama, this story of avarice and repentance is certainly worth an hour of anyone's time.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
