The Shell Game
“"What is a shell game?" In this case Almond shells enter into the plot which is concerned with the schemes of a confident man de luxe.”
Synopsis
New York confidence man "Silk" Wilkins ingratiates himself with millionaire Lawrence Gray, knowing Gray’s wife and daughter Zelda were lost in a flood eighteen years earlier. After promising to find Gray's daughter, Silk returns to his boardinghouse, where he finds Alice Sheldon, broke and about to commit suicide. Silk convinces Alice to pose as Zelda Gray and then notifies Lawrence via a note placed in an almond shell that he has found the lost daughter. Lawrence treats Alice so kindly that when Silk demands payment from her on Christmas morning, she refuses. Lawrence, who has overheard the conversation, enters and laughingly reveals that he had known of the frame-up all along. Grateful to Silk for finding him a wife, Lawrence writes the confidence man a large check.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
March 4, 1918
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- George D. Baker
- Screenplay & Story
- George D. Baker, Kenneth Roberts
- Original Title
- The Shell Game
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 50m
- Production Studios
- Metro Pictures Corporation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
George D. Baker
George D. Baker, Kenneth Roberts
Department Leadership Roster
George D. Baker
Director
George D. Baker
Writer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Shell Game.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Shell Game
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Shell Game about?
New York confidence man "Silk" Wilkins ingratiates himself with millionaire Lawrence Gray, knowing Gray’s wife and daughter Zelda were lost in a flood eighteen years earlier. After promising to find Gray's daughter, Silk returns to his boardinghouse, where he finds Alice Sheldon, broke and about to commit suicide. Silk convinces Alice to pose as Zelda Gray and then notifies Lawrence via a note placed in an almond shell that he has found the lost daughter. Lawrence treats Alice so kindly that when Silk demands payment from her on Christmas morning, she refuses. Lawrence, who has overheard the conversation, enters and laughingly reveals that he had known of the frame-up all along. Grateful to Silk for finding him a wife, Lawrence writes the confidence man a large check.
Who directed The Shell Game?
The Shell Game was directed by George D. Baker.
Who stars in The Shell Game?
The principal cast of The Shell Game includes Joseph Kilgour, Henry Kolker, Emmy Wehlen, Ricca Allen, Donald MacBride.
When was The Shell Game released and how long is it?
The Shell Game was released in 1918 with a total runtime of 50m.