The Intrigue 1916

The Intrigue

1916 · United States · Directed by Frank Lloyd · 50 min

MysteryTense Approachable · Moderate Espionage drama

An invention with military value draws its creator and those around him into espionage, pursuit, and competing claims of loyalty.

What to expect

Made while global war transformed technology into political leverage, the film treats scientific knowledge as something that can endanger its maker as soon as others recognise its use.

How to ease in

Follow the invention as the central object: who knows about it, who wants it, and what each person is willing to do to control it.

Heads-up

A quick, non-exhaustive note Includes espionage, weapons, kidnapping, violence, wartime nationalism, and period stereotypes.
Momo's Note May contain spoilers Who is Momo? →

An invention with military value draws its creator and those around him into espionage, pursuit, and competing claims of loyalty.

An invention does not remain its creator’s private achievement once governments can imagine a use for it. I like how the object gathers danger before it gathers explanation.

Open the note ↓

An invention does not remain its creator’s private achievement once governments can imagine a use for it. I like how the object gathers danger before it gathers explanation.

— Momo

Momo guiding the way into this film

Credits & versions

Version map

Wikidata 50-minute listing50 min50 minutes reproduces the single duration stated by the source. The listing does not identify a cut, score, territory, frame rate, source element, or restoration.Runtime reference · Checked 2026-08-22

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