Woman in Bondage

John Marwood is an ill-tempered hypochondriac who has turned his home into little more than a hospital clinic. He neglects his young wife, who is upset by the fact that, though they have been married for eight years, they are still childless. The Marwoods go on a sea voyage, where the young wife falls in love with the handsome ship's doctor, Bryan Daventry, who is equally lonely. Though the two are very much in love, the couple respects Mrs. Marwood's marriage vows, so their love remains chaste. Back in England, Marwood becomes truly ill with a rare spinal disease and requires a delicate operation. A world-famous surgeon is called in for the operation and turns out to be none other than Bryan. Marwood learns of his wife's prior relationship with Bryan, and falsely accuses her of infidelity. He then informs the couple that he has written a letter to his lawyer, to be opened upon his death, stating all his suspicions concerning the couple and accusing Bryan of his murder. Marwood gives the letter to Simpson, the mysterious family retainer. The operation is a success, but when Mrs. Marwood asks for a divorce, the ungrateful Marwood informs her that they are leaving England, as he plans to take her as far away from the young surgeon as possible. Simpson then overhears Marwood being told that any form of excitement might be fatal. The butler then locks Marwood in his study and accuses him of seducing his young daughter years earlier, then abandoning her when she became pregnant. Simpson tells his employer that the beloved daughter died soon thereafter, and that he has worked for Marwood all these years waiting for the precise moment to take his revenge. Marwood suffers a massive heart attack, and the satisfied Simpson leaves his employer to meet his maker. Marwood is later found dead in the study, finally opening the door to happiness for his wife and the surgeon. As Bryan and Mrs. Marwood exit the front door, Simpson leaves by the servant's entrance, with Marwood's unmailed letter in his pocket.