Ep 4. The Cheat
- December 13, 1915
- 58 min
The Cecil B. DeMille Classics Collection season 1 episode 4, titled "The Cheat," is a thrilling episode that showcases DeMille's mastery of the art of storytelling. Set in the bustling city of New York, this episode tells the story of a wealthy young woman named Edith Hardy, who finds herself caught between her desire for material wealth and her own moral compass.
Edith's marriage to her husband Jack is on the rocks, and she begins to look for ways to elevate her social status and gain more financial security. She meets a wealthy Japanese businessman named Hishuru Tori, who promises her a life of luxury and ease if she agrees to borrow a large sum of money from him. Initially hesitant, Edith is tempted by the glamour and prestige that Tori's money can offer and agrees to the deal.
However, when Tori requests that Edith pay back the loan sooner than expected, she finds herself in a compromising position. Tori presents her with a proposition: he will forgive her debt if she spends the night with him. Edith is repulsed by the suggestion but is also desperate to maintain her image and keep her financial security. She ultimately agrees to the deal, but as she tries to make her escape, she is caught by one of Tori's guards and punished severely for her deceit.
The episode is a prime example of DeMille's skill in crafting stories that combine thrilling action and moral ambiguity. The character of Edith is complex, and while she is initially painted as a selfish and amoral character, her desperation and fear are palpable as the story progresses. The episode also tackles issues of race and class, as Tori's otherness is used as a plot device to make the audience more sympathetic to Edith's situation.
Visually stunning and brilliantly acted, "The Cheat" is a standout episode in the first season of The Cecil B. DeMille Classics Collection. Its exploration of morality, greed, and power dynamics is as relevant today as it was in its original release, and it remains a thrilling and compelling watch for fans of classic cinema.