The story of an artist who became a drug addict and two women in love with him. This is an unusual film for 1916, not for nothing it was re-released in 1923. The film is unusual for its current theme, complex sophisticated plot, increasing pace and realistic acting. A sign of time remains a certain naivety of the authors. Unfortunately, there are other signs - periodically appearing evidence of the destruction of the film with apotheosis in the final, as a reminder of the fragility of rare film materials and how important it is to have time to preserve such monuments of cinema.
Actor Tully Marshall, who starred in The Devil's Needle, made a name in theater playing a drug addict in Clyde Fitch's City. Produced by David Griffith and directed by his protégé, debutant Chester Weasy, the somewhat bravura "Devil's Needle" lacks verisimilitude (run from the horrors of the city, plow the land, etc.).
“Last-Minute Rescue”, filmed in the slums of Los Angeles, is a faithful, already traditional, reception Griffith caused additional interest of viewers in 1916. The film we have today is a 1923 version adjusted to the expectations of 1920s viewers. The motivations of the heroes and their names were changed. Norma Tolmadge became a Hollywood star by then. – Richard Kozarsky