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The Regeneration

1915·72 min·US
Director: Raoul Walsh
RomanceCrimeDrama

At 10 years old, Owen becomes a ragged orphan when his mother dies. Abusive next-door neighbors the Conways take him in, and by 17, Owen has learned that might is right. At 25, he's a career gangster: loitering, gambling and drinking in dens of iniquity. Marie Deering arrives in Owen's area, eager to empower the impoverished, gang-affiliated youth through education. Owen slowly but surely leaves his old life behind, choosing the narrow path- all the while falling in love with Marie. Skinny, who's taken over Owen's role in the gang, reappears to him, spelling trouble.

At 10 years old, Owen becomes a ragged orphan when his mother dies. Abusive next-door neighbors the Conways take him in, and by 17, Owen has learned that might is right. At 25, he's a career gangster: loitering, gambling and drinking in dens of iniquity. Marie Deering arrives in Owen's area, eager to empower the impoverished, gang-affiliated youth through education. Owen slowly but surely leaves his old life behind, choosing the narrow path- all the while falling in love with Marie. Skinny, who's taken over Owen's role in the gang, reappears to him, spelling trouble.

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Movies Silently Review ★★★
Article
The Regeneration (1915) Film Synopsis and Discussion — Obscure Hollywood

Analysis of Walsh's adaptation of Owen Frawley Kildare autobiography establishing the gangster film genre.

Article

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Cast

Rockliffe Fellowes

Rockliffe Fellowes

Owen [at 25] Conway

Anna Q. Nilsson

Anna Q. Nilsson

Marie Deering

W

William Sheer

Skinny

Carl Harbaugh

Carl Harbaugh

Ames, District Attorney

James A. Marcus

James A. Marcus

Jim Conway

J

John McCann

Owen [age 10]

Harry McCoy

Harry McCoy

Owen at 17 (as H. McCoy)

P

Peggy Barn

Maggie Weston

Maggie Weston

Maggie Conway

Crew

Raoul Walsh

writer

Georges Benoît

cinematographer

Carl Harbaugh

writer

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