“Manslaughter” is a 1922 American silent drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Leatrice Joy, Thomas Meighan, and Lois Wilson. The film follows Lydia Thorne, a wealthy and thrill-seeking young woman who lives recklessly without considering the consequences of her actions. During a high-speed chase, she accidentally kills a motorcycle policeman and is prosecuted by her fiancé, District Attorney Daniel O’Bannon. While Lydia serves her prison sentence, she undergoes a transformation, realizing the error of her ways. Meanwhile, Daniel spirals into alcoholism, unable to cope with his guilt. The film is notable for its lavish production, including an infamous Roman orgy sequence, and is considered one of the earliest American films to depict an erotic same-sex kiss.
Credits: Director: Cecil B. DeMille Producer: Cecil B. DeMille, Jesse L. Lasky Starring: Leatrice Joy, Thomas Meighan, Lois Wilson, John Miltern Screenplay: Jeanie MacPherson (adapted from Alice Duer Miller’s novel) Cinematography: L. Guy Wilky, Alvin Wyckoff
