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The Secretary of Frivolous Affairs Synopsis
Loulie, suddenly impoverished, becomes Mrs. Hazard's social secretary, her chief duties being to separate Mrs. Hazard's son and daughter from undesirable matrimonial choices they have made. Loulie pleases everyone, but several mysterious thefts cast suspicion on her. These thefts are finally traced to Winthrop, the young author engaged to Miss Hazard. He denies them, but is chased by the authorities in his motorboat. Meanwhile, Hap has transferred his affections from Natalie, who is older than he, to Loulie. Loulie hears a noise at night and goes downstairs in her kimona. She surprises some picture thieves at work, is overpowered and kidnapped. Hap goes to her rescue, but is injured. The chase becomes very exciting. Loulie is locked in a deserted house, but shoots at the guard through the door and escapes only to faint on the beach, where Hap discovers and rescues her. Back in the house Thomas, the new footman, discovers the Duc de Trouville and a gang of thieves at work cutting the paintings from their frames. The Duc and Thomas fight. The new footman, who turns out to be a detective, is saved by the party returning with Loulie. It is now made clear that Mrs. Cutler, a guest in the house, belongs to the gang and by a trick fastened guilt on Winthrop who is restored to favor. Loulie accents Hap.
The Return of Helen Redmond Synopsis
Clubman Neil Forrester marries chorus girl Helen Redmond against his clergyman brother's wishes and a daughter is born to the couple. Helen tires of domestic life, and after a quarrel with her husband she returns to the stage and Bohemia, where she forgets all in its whirl and gaiety. Forrester dies and his brother assumes charge of the child, bringing her up to believe that her mother is dead and was a good woman. One night after the show Helen gives a supper to her friends in her flat, and one of the guests sends her regrets on account of her young daughter's illness. This awakens in Helen thoughts of her own daughter, now 10 years old, and she retires to her own room brokenhearted and resolves to see her the next day. When she goes, she finds that the girl, Marjorie, resembles her, and she humors her by saying that she knew her mother and she was a good woman. The minister returns, recognizes Helen, and orders her out of the house. She first pleads for her daughter, then demands her. The minister changes his tone and tells Helen that it would be wrong to disillusion Marjorie, and a greater wrong to bring her up among Helen's own kind. Helen sinks under these reproaches, but is persistent. While Marjorie is being brought in Helen lapses in a deep reverie. In this state she has visions of bringing her home. The inherited taint manifests itself and Marjorie grows up like her mother, with a weakness for paint, frills, and men's smile, and later Helen's friend elopes with Marjorie. When the minister returns with Marjorie, she tells him she realizes what he says is true and that it is better for her to continue to grow up under his care. She renounces the stage, gives music lessons as a means of livelihood, and is soon reunited with her daughter in the enjoyment of a happy future.
"The Secretary of Frivolous Affairs" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Return of Helen Redmond" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Secretary of Frivolous Affairs