Compare Films

The World and His Wife Synopsis

Elderly Spanish nobleman Don Julian is happily married to Teodora, a beautiful young girl, when his protégé, young poet Ernest, comes to live with them. Although Teodora entertains only motherly feelings towards Ernesto, vicious gossips spread false rumors of a love affair between the two young people. Don Alvarez, the most bitter slanderer of all, finally arouses Ernesto's rage and a duel is arranged. Don Julian, realizing that the youth is no match for one of the best swordsmen in Spain, forces the slanderer into a fight with him in which Don Alvarez is killed and Don Julian gravely wounded. Ernesto calls upon the dying Don Julian to convince him of his wife's innocence, but the husband, misled by his brother Severo, believes the youth has come to visit Teodora. Don Julian rises from his bed, denounces his wife, and dies, ironically driving Ernesto and Teodora from the house to face the world together.

The Moment Before Synopsis

One moment before she dies, the aged, philanthropic, and universally respected Duchess of Maldon sees her life flash before her. As Madge, a young gypsy woman, two men fight for her, after which the winner, John, forces her to marry him. Then Madge deserts John and begins a romance in England with Harold, the youngest son of the Duke of Maldon. Soon, however, Harold fights with his older brother, who has criticized the affair with a married woman, and, believing that he has killed his brother, Harold leaves Madge behind and smuggles himself out of the country. Years later, Harold, who has found out that his brother did not die, meets Madge once again, and, determined not to let him leave her a second time, Madge kills John so that she and Harold can marry. Successfully covering up past scandals, Madge and Harold begin a life so sedate and distinguished that they quickly become England's model couple.