The School for Scandal

A sharp comedy of manners unfolds when a wealthy uncle decides to test his family, pretending to be a hardnosed moneylender to see which nephew deserves his inheritance. He stages situations that tempt each heir, watching how they respond to offers, obligations, and gossip. The household chatter and romantic entanglements add fuel to the scheme, while Lady Teazle and the Surface family rise and fall in public estimation. The film keeps the tone light and satirical, letting misunderstandings and witty exchanges reveal character more than fate, and it avoids surprising the viewer with any sudden plot betrayals.

Released in 1923, this silent screen version was directed by Bertram Phillips and adapted from the classic play by Richard B. Sheridan, with a scenario credited to Frank Miller. It features Queenie Thomas as Lady Teazle, Frank Stanmore as Sir Peter Teazle, and an early screen turn from Basil Rathbone as Joseph Surface.

Commercial records for many British silent films are fragmentary, and no reliable worldwide gross for this release survives. It was not documented as a significant international box office phenomenon, and contemporary distribution was likely limited to UK and Commonwealth venues.

As an adaptation of a well known 18th century stage comedy, the picture contributed to early cinema efforts to bring theatrical satire to film. Its casting matters, since Basil Rathbone went on to greater fame later on, making this one of his earlier recognizable roles. The movie is sometimes noted by historians of silent British cinema for translating Sheridan's verbal wit into visual setups.

Critical response from the period is sparse, but the film foregrounds themes of hypocrisy, reputation, and social scrutiny, using staged deceptions to probe moral character. It relies on situational humor and character contrasts rather than melodrama, aiming to show how gossip and appearances can mislead an audience and a family alike.