A Wide Open Town (1922)

Billy Clifford, who has served a sentence in reform school for devoted friend Talbot, later in life becomes a successful gambler. He meets and falls in love with Helen Morely, daughter of the mayor. His partner, advised that the mayor intends to raid his establishment, kidnaps Helen and holds her prisoner as security against the raid. Clifford rescues her as the police arrive but is forced to shoot his partner. Helen's reputation is saved, but Clifford is arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment on a murder charge. An interested friend, however, visits the governor, who intervenes in Clifford's behalf, and following their mutual recognition as childhood friends, Clifford is pardoned by Governor Talbot and wins Helen's love.