The Second in Command
Cast & Crew
William J. Bowman
Francis X. Bushman
Marguerite Snow
William Clifford
Lester Cuneo
Helen Dunbar
Film Details
Synopsis
Miles Anstruther, a wealthy young officer, is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of one of the British Army's finest regiments, over his friend, middle-aged Major Christopher Bingham. After Muriel Mannering, the orphaned protégée of Lady Sarah Harburgh, reluctantly complies with her guardian's entreaty that she accept Bingham's proposal, she meets Anstruther at the Officers' Ball and finds him captivating. When Anstruther proposes, Muriel tells Bingham that she cannot marry without love, and becomes Anstruther's fiancée. Before the regiment leaves for South Africa, Anstruther learns that Muriel's brother Walter is greatly indebted to a loan shark. He gives Bingham money for Walter, and after Bingham presents it as his own, Walter tells Anstruther that Muriel loves Bingham. When Bingham confirms this, Anstruther sends Muriel a letter freeing her, but she again refuses Bingham's proposal. After Bingham and his detachment save Anstruther's regiment from being annihilated by the Boers, Anstruther risks his life to save Bingham. Bingham confesses and when Anstruther is offered the Victoria Cross, he arranges for it to go instead to Bingham. Back in England, Anstruther and Muriel marry.
Director
William J. Bowman
Cast
Francis X. Bushman
Marguerite Snow
William Clifford
Lester Cuneo
Helen Dunbar
Paul Byron
Marcia Moore
Evelyn Greeley
Film Details
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
John Drew starred in the Broadway stage production. This was the first film of the Quality Pictures Corp., and was filmed at the Universal studio in Hollywood. Some scenes were shot at Soldiers' Home in Los Angeles.
