A poker-losing millionaire marries a stranger for 50 minutes of silent chaos.
Richard Chester, a bachelor who has lost everything in a poker game, blunders into the apartment of Nora Ellis, who has just inherited a fortune under the stipulation that she marry immediately. Assuming the name Chester Dick, Richard marries Nora and leaves. Unaware of this marriage of convenience, Charles Renalls, Nora's suitor, later assumes that her wealth is the only impediment to their union and conspires to ruin her on the market. Upon learning of his scheme, Richard ruins Charles. Nora falls in love with Richard, not recognizing her benefactor as her husband of an evening. Hoping to spoil Richard's chances with Nora, Charles tells her that Richard is already married and that he carries his wife's picture in his pocket. To her surprise and delight, Nora discovers that the incriminating picture is her own photograph and that Richard is already her husband.
Direction
Henry King wrangling this plot in 50 minutes deserves respect.
Acting
William Russell's 'graceful leap' from millionaire to coal driver.
Director
Henry King
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This 1918 'marriage of convenience' comedy arrived as American divorce rates were climbing and women's economic independence was becoming culturally visible.
The film is considered lost—no known prints survive, making this description one of the only records of its existence.
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