The Misleading Widow
Cast & Crew
John S. Robertson
Billie Burke
James L. Crane
Frank Mills
Madeline Clare
Fred Hearn
Film Details
Synopsis
Gossip spreads quickly throughout a small New England village when Betty Taradine extravagantly entertains wounded Colonel Preedy, billeted at her home. After a bank official suggests that Betty, deeply in debt, raise money on the life insurance policy of her husband, who left years earlier because of her extravagances, Betty sends herself a telegram announcing her husband's death. Preedy's aide, Captain Peter Rymill, in reality Betty's husband, arrives, and falling in love with her again, agrees to keep his identity secret. Although Betty flirts with Preedy to irritate Peter, Preedy really loves Betty's friend, Penelope Moon. One night, Preedy sneaks into Betty's bedroom to steal Penelope's picture, and hides in the closet when Peter enters seeking reconciliation. Peter then hides under the bed when Reverend Ambrose Liptrott, who loves Betty, and his spinster sister Tabitha, arrive to investigate rumors. After Peter and Preedy explain themselves, Preedy confesses his love to Penelope, and Peter and Betty are reunited.
Director
John S. Robertson
Cast
Billie Burke
James L. Crane
Frank Mills
Madeline Clare
Fred Hearn
Mrs. Priestly Morrison
Frederick Esmelton
Dorothy Waters
Film Details
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The film had a pre-release exhibition in Los Angeles the week of July 27, 1919. The title of this film was changed from Billeted to The Misleading Widow which was conceived by Sally Brody of the Famous Players-Lasky Corp. Sales Department. Each employee was allowed two title submissions after reading the synopsis of the story. Miss Brody received $10 for her title. Apparently, this system of title selection was common at the time with the Famous Players-Lasky Corp.
