Although producer E. B. Derr used many of the same actors and much of the same crew for his series of eight Crescent historical fiction dramas starring Tom Keene, a variety of directors took the reins as the series progressed. BATTLE OF GREED is well directed by Howard Higgin, who succeeds in getting from Tom Keene one of his best performances, as an Indiana attorney who leads a group to Virginia City, Nevada, after the Comstock Lode has sparked a silver boom in 1859. John Thomas Neville's story ties in a number of events and characters from the pages of American history, and the screenplay brings in James Bush as a young Mark Twain, local newspaperman who becomes a friend of Keene's.
Gwynne Shipman is the romantic interest, Robert Fiske is again a splendid villain, and Raphael Bennett has one of his best screen roles as a despicable adversary of the protagonist. Juvenile actor Jimmy Butler, usually seen in major studio productions, delivers a fine performance as Keene's young brother. Henry Rocquemore does a nice job as an unscrupulous judge. Series regular Budd Buster portrays one of the old miners responsible for the discovery of silver.
The melodramatic events which unfold during the six reels take precedence over the historical narrative, sustaining interest until the evil-doers are finally vanquished and the virtuous figures are safe and contented.
Gwynne Shipman is the romantic interest, Robert Fiske is again a splendid villain, and Raphael Bennett has one of his best screen roles as a despicable adversary of the protagonist. Juvenile actor Jimmy Butler, usually seen in major studio productions, delivers a fine performance as Keene's young brother. Henry Rocquemore does a nice job as an unscrupulous judge. Series regular Budd Buster portrays one of the old miners responsible for the discovery of silver.
The melodramatic events which unfold during the six reels take precedence over the historical narrative, sustaining interest until the evil-doers are finally vanquished and the virtuous figures are safe and contented.