Joanna (1925)

Synopsis
Dorothy Mackaill is well-cast as a high-living flapper in this lively picture, which was based on the popular newspaper serial by H.L. Gates. Joanna Manners (Mackaill) is a salesgirl, and a rather lousy one at that. Nevertheless, she is loved by John Wilmot, a struggling young architect (Jack Mulhall). One day, a million dollars is mysteriously placed in her account. To her delight, Joanna is able to become part of the moneyed fast set, but in the meantime she alienates Wilmot, who leaves her. Joanna continues to party and spend the money, helped along by Frank Brandon, a banker's nephew (Paul Nicholson). Brandon gives Joanna a proposal -- unfortunately, it's not a marriage proposal, so she knocks him unconscious with her shoe. She is arrested for speeding with Brandon laid out cold next to her. He recovers and Joanna is released. It turns out that she has been the object of a bet between some wealthy men -- one believed that, given the opportunity, a modern girl could not resist temptation. The other had faith that she could, and chose Joanna because he once loved her mother. Since Joanna, in spite of it all, has remained a "good girl," he adopts her, and she is reunited with Wilmot. ~ Janiss Garza, All Movie Guide