The Undercurrent
“A story of the evil forces that underlie life- and that seek to pull down that which man builds up in his best moments.”
Synopsis
Jack Duncan returns from the war in France to his wife and baby and learns that his job as a draftsman at the Loring Steel Mills has been taken. Given work in the machine shop, Jack becomes the prey of Red agitators who want him because of his popularity with soldiers. The Reds cause Jack's discharge just when his house payments come due, and when they convince him of the injustice of his situation, he joins their ranks. After learning of plans to burn the factory and Loring's home, and start a riot in the town, Jack is won over by a socialist's arguments advocating mild reforms. At a meeting of workingmen, Jack praises Americanism. He warns Loring and, with soldiers at a nearby camp, quells the riot. After a woman agitator kills her comrades and then shoots herself, Jack arrives home to save his wife from an attack by a Red ringleader. Jack is then made a foreman at the mill.
Top Cast
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Arthur Guy Empey
Jack Duncan
Florence Martin
Lucy Duncan
Marguerite Courtot
Fanny Brett
Betty Blythe
Mariska
William R. Dunn
Ivan
Sally Crute
Sylvia Loring
Arthur Donaldson
Malin
Charles A. Stevenson
John Loring
Eugene Strong
Edward Taylor
Vera Boehm
Jack Duncan, Jr.
F.R. Buckley
Padris Thann
Betty Hutchinson
Mrs. Loring
Harry Lee
Smith
Frank Norcross
Marinoff
Release History & Theatrical Window
November 16, 1919
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Wilfrid North
- Screenplay & Story
- William Addison Lathrop, Arthur Guy Empey
- Original Title
- The Undercurrent
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 1h 0m
- Production Studios
- Guy Empey Productions, Select Pictures Corporation
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Wilfrid North
William Addison Lathrop, Arthur Guy Empey
John W. Brown
Department Leadership Roster
Wilfrid North
Director
John W. Brown
Director of Photography
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 Undercurrent.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Undercurrent
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Undercurrent about?
Jack Duncan returns from the war in France to his wife and baby and learns that his job as a draftsman at the Loring Steel Mills has been taken. Given work in the machine shop, Jack becomes the prey of Red agitators who want him because of his popularity with soldiers. The Reds cause Jack's discharge just when his house payments come due, and when they convince him of the injustice of his situation, he joins their ranks. After learning of plans to burn the factory and Loring's home, and start a riot in the town, Jack is won over by a socialist's arguments advocating mild reforms. At a meeting of workingmen, Jack praises Americanism. He warns Loring and, with soldiers at a nearby camp, quells the riot. After a woman agitator kills her comrades and then shoots herself, Jack arrives home to save his wife from an attack by a Red ringleader. Jack is then made a foreman at the mill.
Who directed The Undercurrent?
The Undercurrent was directed by Wilfrid North.
Who stars in The Undercurrent?
The principal cast of The Undercurrent includes Arthur Guy Empey, Florence Martin, Marguerite Courtot, Betty Blythe, William R. Dunn.
When was The Undercurrent released and how long is it?
The Undercurrent was released in 1919 with a total runtime of 1h 0m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Undercurrent?
The Undercurrent holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).