“A Child for Sale”, a 1920 American silent drama film, directed by Ivan Abramson, stars the talented actress Gladys Leslie alongside Creighton Hale. The film unfolds in the heart of Greenwich Village, where a struggling artist faces a devastating loss: the death of his wife. Left with two children and scant resources, he makes a desperate decision-to sell one of his offspring to a childless but affluent couple. The emotional core of the film lies in the artist’s turmoil. As he grapples with the weight of his choice, the audience witnesses the raw human struggle between love and necessity. The character of Ruth Gardner, portrayed by Gladys Leslie, embodies maternal anguish and resilience. Her performance captures the pain of separation and the haunting realization of what has been sacrificed. The film’s exploration of societal indifference and the harsh realities faced by parents forced to sell their children on the open market resonates deeply. The tagline-“MAN stops at nothing! Progress, no matter what it costs”-hints at the film’s underlying theme. Amid progress and enlightenment, the film questions whether such advancements come at the expense of compassion and family bonds. Despite its significance, “A Child for Sale” is now lost to time, leaving us with fragments of its powerful narrative. Gladys Leslie’s portrayal of Ruth Gardner remains etched in the annals of silent cinema, a testament to the complexities of sacrifice, love, and the human condition.