The Iron Claw

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The Iron Claw

Released Feb 28, 1916

7h 20m

Action

Adventure

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100%

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5 Reviews

100%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Leaving the character of Elaine behind after three successful serials, Pearl White played Margery Golden in The Iron Claw, the enterprising Pathé company's best chapterplay of 1916. Poor Margery is kidnapped as a small child by Legar, the Iron Claw of the title (played, according to surviving reviews, with relish by Sheldon Lewis), who is avenging the loss of one hand in a fight with Margery's father (J.E. Dunn). The girl grows up among thieves and is about to embark on a life of crime herself when rescued by a mystery hero known only as the Laughing Mask. The Iron Claw doesn't give up that easily, however, and continues to pursue poor Margery through 20 heart-palpitating chapters. Only in the final episode, "The Triumph of the Laughing Mask," did the audience learn the identity of the mystery hero, who proved to be none other than Margery's nice but seemingly placid boyfriend Davey (Creighton Hale).

NZ Herald Staff

New Zealand Herald

[The Iron Claw] is proving very popular, and judging from the first episodes should unfold an interesting story. Many good artists are appearing, and the story is set amidst artistic surroundings.

Nov 7, 2020

Full Review

Harvey E. Thew

Motion Picture News

The newest Pathe serial has performed its first duty admirably : it has aroused the interest, and has kept it in suspension. The story promises to be an absorbing one, and it is so presented as to make all of its points tell.

Nov 4, 2020

Full Review

Margaret I. MacDonald

Moving Picture World

The flood scenes are tremendously realistic, and the entire episode is full of stirring action, giving promise of interesting developments to follow.

Nov 4, 2020

Full Review

Genevieve Harris

Motography

As a beginning for a serial of mystery and thrills, danger and romance, it would be hard to find a better installment than the first chapter of The Iron Claw.

Nov 4, 2020

Full Review

Julian Johnson

Photoplay

This is a good serial, of its kind.

Nov 4, 2020

Full Review

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Edward José

Director

George B. Seitz

Director

Pearl White

Margery Golden

Creighton Hale

Davey

Sheldon Lewis

Legar, The Iron Claw

Edward Weston

Actor

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Synopsis

Leaving the character of Elaine behind after three successful serials, Pearl White played Margery Golden in The Iron Claw, the enterprising Pathé company's best chapterplay of 1916. Poor Margery is kidnapped as a small child by Legar, the Iron Claw of the title (played, according to surviving reviews, with relish by Sheldon Lewis), who is avenging the loss of one hand in a fight with Margery's father (J.E. Dunn). The girl grows up among thieves and is about to embark on a life of crime herself when rescued by a mystery hero known only as the Laughing Mask. The Iron Claw doesn't give up that easily, however, and continues to pursue poor Margery through 20 heart-palpitating chapters. Only in the final episode, "The Triumph of the Laughing Mask," did the audience learn the identity of the mystery hero, who proved to be none other than Margery's nice but seemingly placid boyfriend Davey (Creighton Hale).

Director: Edward José, George B. Seitz
Producer: Edward José
Screenwriter: George B. Seitz
Production Co: Edward José Productions
Genre: Action, Adventure
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 28, 1916, Limited
Runtime: 7h 20m