The Flaming Clue

The Flaming Clue is a 1920 American silent drama film directed by Edwin L. Hollywood and written by William B. Courtney and Frederic Van Rensselaer Dey. The film stars Harry T. Morey, Lucy Fox, and Sidney Dalbrook.

Plot
Secret Service agent Ralph Cornell is on the trail of a ring of counterfeiters. He tracks them to a boarding house in the country which is owned by Betty Quail and her mother. The head of the gang, Aaron Prine, is staying at the boarding house, where the counterfeiters have a secret lair which can be entered through a secret passage in Prine's room.

In order to keep an eye on Prine, Cornell registers as a resident at the boarding house, during which time he and Betty fall in love. As he is closing in on the counterfeiters, he and Betty are captured and held captive. But the Secret Service arrives in time to rescue Cornell and Betty, and arrest the criminals.

Production
In preparation for the picture, Harry T. Morley shadowed a New York City detective to learn more about the ins and out of police work. The picture was based on a story from the files of the United States Secret Service.

Reception
The Lenora News gave the film a positive review, stating, "For a detective story with suspense, mystery and thrills in every scene see "The Flaming Clue". The Evening Mail also gave the film a good review and singled out the performance of Harry Morley, "Mr. Morley is a favorite with lovers of movies and his part in this picture gives him opportunity for superb acting. This picture tells a human life story and is thrilling throughout." The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette said it was "a thrilling detective story, filled with love and suspense."