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The Bondage of Fear Synopsis
Vesta Wheatley and Dick Mortimer have been friends from childhood, but when he declared his love and asks her to marry him, she tells him their friendship is too pleasant to spoil it by love-making. John Randolph, a wealthy city man, is attracted to Vesta and a romance develops which culminates in a quiet wedding. Although Vesta is happy she enjoys tasting of worldly pleasures unknown to her. However, after a short fling she returns to her husband with increased love and respect. Unable to stand village life, after Vesta's marriage, Dick comes to the city. He and Vesta meet by chance and he avails himself of her invitation to call. John, returning home unexpectedly, is surprised to find Dick talking to his wife; he recalls a scene in the country before his marriage, when he saw Dick making love to Vesta. However, he hides his suspicions and he and his wife go to their country lodge. Beset by thoughts of Vesta, Dick follows and during her husband's absence, enters the lodge. Vesta resents his declaration of love, and hearing a noise on the outside, begs him to leave before her husband returns. The door is burst open and Skinny, a gangster, enters. In the struggle that ensues Dick is killed by Skinny. Vesta grabs the pistol and holding Skinny at bay, prepares to call the police, but Skinny tells her that she bad better think before phoning, as the news will create a scandal. Cowed by his threats, Vesta is compelled to watch in silence as he drags Dick's lifeless body away. Although her husband suspects nothing, Vesta is haunted with memories of Dick's murder, and Skinny, by frequent blackmail, helps keep alive the memory. At last she feels that she can bear it no longer and when Skinny comes with a demand for an enormous sum, she seizes a pistol and kills him. She then phones to the police, telling them she is alone in the house and hears a burglar entering; there is a pistol in her husband's room. The burglar is approaching, what shall she do? The officer tells her to hold the burglar off until help comes. With the receiver down, she fires a shot into the air. When the officers arrive they pronounce the killing is self-defense, and Vesta is happy with her husband, knowing that her tormentor is out of the way.
Easy Money Synopsis
Richard Chanslor is about to be disinherited by his rich grandfather who objects to his association with chorus girl Lily Lorraine. In order to please his grandfather while still maintaining his present standard of living, Chanslor decides to marry Lois Page, a struggling young sculptress from a good family. Lois accepts his proposal on the condition that they continue their separate ways. The marriage in name only is a success until Richard begins to fall in love with his wife and breaks with Lily. Lois, unconvinced of her husband's sincerity, however, continues her close relationship with her instructor, Bob Hildreth. One day, Hildreth takes Lily for a ride to a country inn where he attacks her. Richard follows them and arrives just in time to rescue his wife who drives away with him. Both husband and wife then realize that their trial marriage has developed into a real marriage.
"The Bondage of Fear" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "Easy Money" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Bondage of Fear