The Third Degree
Synopsis
Alicia, a circus artist, deserts her husband and child to elope with Underwood, her handsome lover. Fifteen years later, Annie Martin, Alicia's deserted daughter, is a trapeze performer in a sideshow at Coney Island, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Chubb, and has married Howard Jeffries in spite of opposition by his wealthy parents. Jeffries, Sr., hires a man (Underwood) to separate the young couple. Underwood convinces the newlyweds that each is being unfaithful to the other, and consequently, he is threatened by Howard. Driven to fury by Underwood's uncontrollable demands, Alicia shoots him in a quarrel and makes her escape just as Howard enters; despite his innocence, Howard confesses to the crime when subjected to the third degree. Annie, realizing her mother's guilt, claims to be guilty, but Alicia then confesses. Annie is saved from suicide by Howard, and they are united by love.
Top Cast
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Dolores Costello
Annie Daly
Louise Dresser
Alicia Daly
Rockliffe Fellowes
Underwood
Jason Robards Sr.
Howard Jeffries Jr.
Kate Price
Mrs. Chubb
Tom Santschi
Daredevil Daley
Harry Todd
Mr. Chubb
Mary Louise Miller
Annie as a baby
Michael Vavitch
Clinton - Chief of Detectives
David Torrence
Howard Jeffries Sr.
Fred Kelsey
Assistant Chief of Detectives
Margaret Gray
Young Lady (uncredited)
Myrna Loy
Bit Part (uncredited)
Joseph North
Bit Part (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 1, 1926
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Michael Curtiz
- Screenplay & Story
- C. Graham Baker, Charles Klein
- Original Title
- The Third Degree
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 1h 20m
- Production Studios
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Michael Curtiz
C. Graham Baker, Charles Klein
Hal Mohr
Clarence Kolster
Department Leadership Roster
Hal Mohr
Director of Photography
C. Graham Baker
Writer
Clarence Kolster
Editor
Michael Curtiz
Director
Charles Klein
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Third Degree.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Third Degree
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Third Degree about?
Alicia, a circus artist, deserts her husband and child to elope with Underwood, her handsome lover. Fifteen years later, Annie Martin, Alicia's deserted daughter, is a trapeze performer in a sideshow at Coney Island, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Chubb, and has married Howard Jeffries in spite of opposition by his wealthy parents. Jeffries, Sr., hires a man (Underwood) to separate the young couple. Underwood convinces the newlyweds that each is being unfaithful to the other, and consequently, he is threatened by Howard. Driven to fury by Underwood's uncontrollable demands, Alicia shoots him in a quarrel and makes her escape just as Howard enters; despite his innocence, Howard confesses to the crime when subjected to the third degree. Annie, realizing her mother's guilt, claims to be guilty, but Alicia then confesses. Annie is saved from suicide by Howard, and they are united by love.
Who directed The Third Degree?
The Third Degree was directed by Michael Curtiz.
Who stars in The Third Degree?
The principal cast of The Third Degree includes Dolores Costello, Louise Dresser, Rockliffe Fellowes, Jason Robards Sr., Kate Price.
When was The Third Degree released and how long is it?
The Third Degree was released in 1926 with a total runtime of 1h 20m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Third Degree?
The Third Degree holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).