Perils of the New Land: Films of the Immigrant Experience (1910-1915): Traffic in Souls / The Italian

First, "The Italian" (1915) is an emotionally charged drama starring George Beban as an impoverished Venetian gondolier in love with a beautiful woman being pressured to marry a wealthy merchant by her father. In hopes of appeasing the father, the boatman goes to New York to win a home for his love. Produced and co-written by Thomas Ince. And, "Traffic in Souls" (1913) is a landmark look at white slavery and prostitution that features an unflinching look at life in a brothel and the police force's attempts to bust the place. Matt Moore, Jane Gail and Howard Crampton star in an early example of "sex selling on the screen." 4 hrs. total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: music score; bonus shorts "Police Force, New York City" (1910), "The Call of the City" (1912), "McQuade of the Traffic Squad" (1915). Silent with music score.