Is Perjury Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1921)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Drama cinema, the 1921 release of Perjury stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Robert Moore is the general manager of the firm run by John Gibson. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Robert Moore is the general manager of the firm run by John Gibson. After Gibson makes several visits to Moore's home, unfounded rumors begin of a relationship between Gibson and Moore's wife, Martha. Moore is discovered with a revolver in his hand, standing over Gibson's dead body. In fact, Moore’s best friend committed the murder, but Moore is convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Impulsively Martha remarries to a man who proves to be a brute. When Moore is set free after the real murderer confesses, he visits his former wife just as her husband attacks her. In a struggle, Moore shoots him in self-defense and is then reunited with his family."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of William Farnum provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Harry F. Millarde is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Perjury truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Perjury explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1921 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Harry F. Millarde respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Perjury is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of William Farnum or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Perjury is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.