The Grim Comedian

Musical comedy star Marie Lamonte, the mistress of Harvey Martin, has her daughter, Dorothy, reared in a convent school. Realizing that the daughter is about to come home, Marie gives up her luxurious life with Martin and in maternal devotion retires to humble lodgings. There she is happy with Dorothy, who is in love with young artist Geoffrey Hutchins. Martin, however, lavishes Dorothy with gifts and persuades her to elope with him; learning that Martin has fascinated Dorothy, Marie goes to his apartment to plead with him to give up the girl, who meanwhile is concealed in an adjoining room. Martin refuses, and in desperation Marie shoots at him. In admiration of her courage, Martin changes his mind, telling Dorothy that he never intended to marry her; and when the girl is united with Geoffrey, Marie is at last happy.