Tess of the Storm Country (1922 film)

Tess of the Storm Country is a 1922 melodrama starring Mary Pickford, directed by John S. Robertson, and based upon a Grace Miller White novel. It is a remake of Pickfords film from eight years prior and was subsequently remade a decade later as a sound version starring Janet Gaynor.

17yearold Tess Skinner is the daughter of a squatter, and wealthy man Elias Graves, who owns the land, is trying to get rid of them and the other squatter families. Tess is just as determined to make sure they all stay. Elias, however, grows more stubborn with failure. His determination to disperse the squatters has become an obsession. He is determined to kick them out of his land, not caring they dont have another place to go to. Graves son, Frederick, is on her side and doesnt think about squatters the way his father does. Fredericks sister Teola fears her father, who thinks obedience is more important than love. She has fallen in love with law student Dan Jordan, but he hasnt been able to impress Elias.Dan tries to win over Teolas fathers trust in him by suggesting he can throw the squatters off his land, because they are catching fish illegally. Frederick, meanwhile, is charmed by Tess and admits he could really fall for her if she would get cleaned up. When men come to the Skinner residence to find proof theyre netting, Tess hides the evidence her father is a fisherman. Later, they become hungry and Tess father decides to start fishing again. He is caught and when Dan Jordan is shot to death, Tess dad is blamed for it and taken under arrest. Tess is crushed and takes it out on Elias when he announces he will do anything for her dad to pay the penalty. When the trial starts, Tess is crushed she isnt allowed to visit her father. The evil Ben Letts forces himself up to her as her future husband, despite the fact Tess is unwilling to marry him. She chases him away, but Ben vows vengeance. ........

Source: Wikipedia