A Leech of Industry

The film tells the story of Irma, a young factory worker who emigrates from Russia. After the tragic death of her fiancé Alex in an explosion, Irma finds herself pregnant and later marries Alex's brother Ivan. As Ivan rises in the business world, he faces fierce competition from his former employer, leading to a dramatic turn of events involving betrayal and a race for a lucrative contract.

The narrative unfolds as Ivan discovers a plot by his competitor to undermine his bid, with Margaret, a character scorned by Ivan, playing a key role in the scheme. This dramatic tension culminates in a race to the state capital that results in a collision, ultimately leading Ivan to realize his true feelings for Irma. With a cast that includes Irving Cummings and Pearl Sindelar, A Leech of Industry represents an intriguing piece of early 20th-century cinema.