Summary
Orphaned Mary Lord, a ward of the austere Sir Arthur Stanhope, finds herself drawn to the charismatic yet aloof young parliamentarian Philip Carmichael. Their first encounter is a study in unreciprocated yearning; Philip, preoccupied with political ambitions, dismisses Mary's affection and instead indulges in a reckless, mock nuptial with the flamboyant actress Sheelah Delayne at a raucous soirée. Years later, fate reassembles the trio under dramatically altered circumstances. Philip, now disillusioned by his own machinations, discovers that Mary has become Sir Arthur's wife, a union forged more out of duty than desire. When Sir Arthur succumbs to a fatal stroke at the sight of Philip and Mary together, the tragedy ignites a desperate attempt at redemption. Both lovers, tormented by guilt, resolve to part ways, yet the pull of their shared past proves inexorable, culminating in a clandestine marriage on French soil. The fragile peace shatters when Sheelah, armed with a son she claims is Philip's and a marriage certificate, confronts the couple. Philip is arrested for bigamy; in a courtroom scene that strips Mary of dignity, she denies their marriage, only to vanish thereafter. After the loss of her own child, Sheelah, now a canteen worker, encounters a despondent Mary in France and, moved by compassion, arranges an annulment and summons Philip. The final act resolves as Mary, hearing soldiers chant a lullaby she once sang to Philip, recognizes him, and the two reunite, sealing their love amidst the lingering shadows of betrayal and societal constraint.
Synopsis
Orphan Mary Lord, the ward of Sir Arthur Stanhope of Parliament, is attracted to Philip Carmichael, a young politician, who ignores her and goes through a supposedly mock marriage at a wild party with actress Sheelah Delayne. Years later, Philip falls in love with Mary, now married to Sir Arthur, who dies from a stroke when he sees Philip and Mary together. Remorseful, they try to keep apart but eventually marry in France. Later, Sheelah confronts Philip with their son and proof that they are married. When Philip is arrested for bigamy, Mary testifies, to her humiliation, that she and Philip are not married, and then disappears. After her son dies, Sheelah goes to France as a canteen worker and finds Mary wandering in a daze. Feeling pity, Sheelah has her marriage annulled and sends for Philip. When Mary hears soldiers sing a song she used to sing to Philip, she recognizes Philip and they resume their marriage.
Review Excerpt
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Contextualizing A House Divided within the Silent Era
When the silver screen first embraced narratives of tangled affection and social propriety, A Hous..."
