Dante's original story is intercut with a modern-day story about a ruthless slumlord named Mortimer Judd, who treats his tenants and his ailing wife with indifference. His neighbor Eugene Craig, whom he's driving into bankruptcy, sends him a copy of the titular book to remind him what happens to sinners. But is it already too late to save Mortimer Judd's soul?
Another film by the same name, starring Spencer Tracy, was released in 1935.
The 1924 film has the examples of:
- All Just a Dream: At the end, it turns out Judd dreamed being sent to hell, and he still has a chance to repent, which he does.
- Blackface: Judd's black butler is played by white actor Bud Jamison in blackface.
- Driven to Suicide: Bankruptcy drives Eugene Craig to hang himself. It later turns out that this was part of Judd's dream, and the real Craig is still alive.
- Fire and Brimstone Hell: Despite this trope not being played entirely straight in the source material, the film's version of hell is heavy on the flames.
- Framing Device: Mortimer Judd's story is used to frame Dante's original story, which plays out for us as Judd reads it.
- Historical Domain Character: Out of the many historical figures included in the original, the film includes only Virgil and, briefly, Cleopatra. And, of course, Dante himself.
- Love-Obstructing Parents: Judd disapproves of his son having a relationship with the nurse.
- Rivers of Blood: As in the original story, people who were violent to others are punished with a river of blood.
- Stop Trick: Judd is visited by a demon, who appears and disappears in this fashion.
- Yet Another Christmas Carol: Mortimer Judd's redemption arc is very similar to A Christmas Carol.
