For Better, for Worse
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Cecil B. Demille
Elliott Dexter
Gloria Swanson
Sylvia Ashton
Raymond Hatton
Theodore Roberts
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Dr. Edward Meade, a specialist in children's diseases, and Richard Burton, an architect, both enlist in the army in World War I. Meade realizes that he is more greatly needed in the hospital ward than on the battlefield, and he stays home to serve the children. Sylvia Norcross believes him to be a coward and marries Burton instead, on the eve of Burton's leaving for service. Burton is loved by Betty Hoyt, but it is an unrequited love. Later, after Sylvia has an automobile accident in which she injures a small girl and Meade successfully treats her, she realizes that courage, not cowardice, kept Meade at home. News comes of Burton's death, but just as Meade and Sylvia are about to be married, Burton reappears. He has actually survived but is badly disfigured. Burton leaves them free to marry, and recognizes the true love of Betty.
Director
Cecil B. Demille
Cast
Elliott Dexter
Gloria Swanson
Sylvia Ashton
Raymond Hatton
Theodore Roberts
Wanda Hawley
Winter Hall
Jack Holt
Fred Huntley
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Edgar Selwyn originally wrote For Better, for Worse as a play, then sold the story to Cecil B. DeMille, but contrary to some contemporary sources never had it produced on the theatrical stage. One pre-production news item, some ads and several modern sources, including Cecil B. DeMille's autobiography, credit William C. de Mille with "adapting" Selwyn's play before Macpherson wrote the actual scenario. All other contemporary sources give sole scenario credit to Macpherson. A few contemporary sources list Macpherson as a co-story writer. According to modern sources, James Wong Howe was the assistant cameraman on this film, Wilfred Buckland was the art director and Howard Higgin was the production manager. Modern sources also identify Mae Giraci in the part of the little girl.
