The Hero (1917 film)

The Hero is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by William Desmond Taylor and starring Blanche Sweet, House Peters, Sr., and Mary Alden. The film was produced by Oliver Morosco and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The storyline concerns a young woman, Hester, who is engaged to a hardworking miner, Benton, but is attracted to a charismatic but ultimately unreliable man, Oswald.

Hester, initially drawn to Oswald's charm and more sophisticated lifestyle, finds herself conflicted between the allure of this exciting new relationship and her solid, dependable fiancé. Benton, aware of Hester's inner conflict, strives to prove his worth and win her affection. Oswald, however, reveals his true nature as a selfish and ultimately cowardly individual when faced with a crisis, allowing Benton to demonstrate his heroism and unwavering commitment to Hester.

The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the contrast between superficial charm and genuine character. It highlights the importance of looking beyond appearances and valuing true inner strength. The Hero received positive reviews at the time of its release, praising the performances of the lead actors and the film's compelling narrative. Currently, the film is considered lost.