Just a Wife (1920) [N/A]

Featuring:
Roy Stewart, Leatrice Joy, Albert Van Antwerp

Written by:
Katherine S. Reed
Eugene Walter

Directed by:
Howard Hickman


Release Date:
February 23, 1920

Original Title:
Just a Wife

Genres:
Drama

Production Companies:
National Picture Theatres

Production Countries:
United States of America

Ratings / Certifications:
 N/A

Runtime: 50

Businesswoman Eleanor Lathrop becomes an advisor to Richard Emerson, an ambitious young engineer. He becomes very successful with her help, and to avoid the talk that surrounds their relationship, she suggests that he marry Mary Virginia Lee, a Southern girl from an aristocratic but impoverished family. Mary is happy to wed Emerson since she is tired of being poor. On their honeymoon, she reveals that she got married only to have luxuries, and Emerson admits that he was looking for social standing. After their confessions, they decide it's best to lead separate lives. Emerson stays at his club in New York, while Mary lives at his country home. Eleanor becomes jealous of Mary's position, even though she's the one who spends her time with Emerson.

Richard Emerson and Mary Ashby undertake a marriage of convenience: she marries him for his wealth, and he marries her both for her social standing and to quash rumors of an affair with his brilliant secretary, Eleanor Lathrop. After the ceremony, the couple separates. Mary returns to their elegant country home, while Emerson, accompanied by Eleanor, travels West to work in his railroad construction camp. Time passes and Mary, despite her luxuries, discovers that only her husband can make her happy, while Emerson realizes that his opportunism has only brought him loneliness. Successful beyond his wildest expectations, Emerson returns to New York with Eleanor on the eve of his third anniversary. Visiting Mary, he discovers an anniversary dinner awaiting him, and a reconciliation seems possible. However, later that evening, Eleanor arrives and confesses her love for Emerson. The two women duel for his possession, with Mary emerging victorious.

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