Summary
In an era of burgeoning social expectations and the delicate dance of courtship, Darcy Cole, a young woman navigating the competitive landscape of early 20th-century urban life, finds herself somewhat outmaneuvered by the matrimonial successes of her two roommates, Maude Raynes and Helen Bartlett. Their impending engagements cast a rather unflattering spotlight on Darcy’s own perceived lack of romantic prospects and, indeed, her somewhat unpolished demeanor. Driven by a blend of self-preservation and a burgeoning desire to silence their snide remarks, Darcy fabricates an elaborate fiction: a titled fiancé. This imaginative construct gains tangible — albeit temporary — form through the ingenious collaboration of her friend, Gloria Green, who not only provides a photograph of her cousin, Jack Remsen, artfully costumed as an aristocratic lord from a collegiate theatrical production, but also orchestrates Darcy’s own remarkable sartorial and aesthetic metamorphosis into a vision of sophisticated beauty. The comedic machinations deepen when Gloria’s fiancé, Tom Harmon, unwittingly becomes an accomplice to a grand practical joke, offering his secluded bungalow as a supposed honeymoon retreat to both the genuinely engaged couples and, crucially, to Darcy and her 'imaginary' lord, now personified by the obliging Jack. The stage is thus set for a farcical ballet of mistaken identities and close calls as the true and feigned honeymooners converge upon the bungalow in staggered arrivals, each pair meticulously assigned their quarters by the diligent, if somewhat bewildered, housekeeper, Veronica. The delicate façade begins to crumble when Veronica witnesses Jack’s casual removal of his theatrical makeup, precipitating a dramatic misinterpretation: she firmly believes him to be 'Gentleman Jack,' a notorious burglar whose exploits she has been avidly following in the daily papers. The ensuing chaos, a delightful crescendo of misunderstanding and near-exposure, is ultimately unraveled by the timely arrival of Gloria and Tom, who, with a mix of amusement and exasperation, clarify the convoluted circumstances. Amidst the delightful wreckage of their charade, Darcy and Jack, having experienced the peculiar intimacy of their shared pretense, discover a genuine spark, culminating in their decision to transform their fabricated honeymoon into a very real and heartfelt commitment.
Synopsis
When her two roommates, Maude Raynes and Helen Bartlett, become engaged, Darcy Cole invents a titled fiancé of her own, in part to ward off her friends' nasty remarks about her untidy appearance. Darcy's friend Gloria Green lends a photograph of her cousin, Jack Remsen, made up as a lord for a college play, then transforms Darcy into a stylish beauty. As a practical joke, Gloria's fiancé Tom Harmon agrees to lend his bungalow to each couple for their honeymoon. Darcy pretends to elope with her imaginary lord, played by Jack. The real and pretended honeymooners arrive in succession and are assigned bedrooms by housekeeper Veronica. When Veronica sees Jack remove his makeup, she is certain he is Gentleman Jack, the burglar she has been reading about. Finally, Gloria and Tom arrive and straighten matters out, and Darcy and Jack decide to become real honeymooners.
Review Excerpt
"
A Whirlwind of Witty Deception: Reconsidering Billie Burke's 'Wanted: A Husband'
In the annals of silent cinema, where grand gestures and expressive pantomime often spoke louder than words, certain films emerge as charming time capsules, reflecting the social mores and comedic sensibilities of their era with remarkable clarity. Billie Burke's 1919 vehicle, Wanted: A Husband, is precisely one such gem. Directed with a light touch and imbued with a delightful spirit of romantic a..."
