Lawful Larceny (1923 film)

Lawful Larceny (1923 film) is a silent romantic comedy-drama film directed by Allan Dwan and starring Hope Hampton, Kenneth Harlan, and Conrad Nagel. It is based on the play of the same name by Samuel Shipman.

The film tells the story of Vivian Hepburn (played by Hope Hampton), a wealthy socialite who discovers her husband, Guy (Kenneth Harlan), is having an affair with a scheming gold-digger named Dede Mason (played by Nita Naldi). Instead of seeking a divorce, Vivian decides to teach her husband a lesson by turning the tables on Dede and outsmarting her at her own game. She employs a con artist, Jim Moreland (Conrad Nagel), to help her orchestrate a scheme to swindle Dede out of her ill-gotten gains. The plot involves a fake oil well and various deceptions, culminating in Vivian exposing Dede's true nature and winning back her husband's affection.

The film, distributed by Paramount Pictures, was a moderate success at the box office. It is considered a notable example of the sophisticated comedies that were popular during the silent era. While it is believed to be a lost film, some stills and promotional material survive. The play "Lawful Larceny" was also adapted into a sound film in 1930, starring Bebe Daniels.