Movie spotlight
A Wife by Proxy
The film opens in Ireland, as a dying Patrick McNairne tells his daughter Jerry to go to New York and look up Norton Burbeck, a wealthy young man whose life Patrick had saved some time earlier (the surviving print, largely complete, lacks the second page insert of a letter explaining the full background). The affable Burbeck is due to inherit his uncle’s fortune provided he’s married by November; if not, the inheritance will go to his cousin Howard Curtis. An adventuress, Beatrice Gaden, and her husband Dick are in cahoots with Curtis: Beatrice pretends to be single in order to string Norton along up to the November date, at which time Curtis will come into the money and give a share to his unscrupulous partners.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, tired of her father's interference in her romantic life, devises a plan to escape his matchmaking attempts. She hires a man to pose as her husband, hoping this will deter her father's chosen suitor. However, her scheme becomes complicated when genuine feelings begin to develop between her and the hired proxy.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, contemporary critical reviews are scarce and difficult to access. However, films of this era generally aimed for lighthearted entertainment, and it likely received positive attention for its comedic elements and romantic storyline typical of the period's popular comedies.
What Reviewers Say
Likely praised for its lighthearted comedic premise.
Enjoyed for its simple romantic entanglement.
Appreciated as typical entertainment of the silent film era.
Google audience: Audience reviews for this film are not available due to its age and the nature of silent film distribution and preservation.
Fun Fact
Robert Z. Leonard, the director, went on to have a long and successful career in Hollywood, directing numerous acclaimed films across various genres throughout the silent and early sound eras.
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