| |
 |
| |
Lina Cavalieri (left).
Photograph: Silent Era image collection.
|
A Woman of Impulse
(1918) United States of America
B&W : Five reels
Directed by Edward José
Cast: Lina Cavalieri [Leonora, ‘La Vecci’], Gertrude Robinson [Nina], Raymond Bloomer [Count Nerval], Robert Cain [Phillip Spencer], J. Clarence Handysides (Clarence Handyside) [Mr. Stuart], Mathilde Brundage [Mrs. Stuart], Corrine Uzzell (Corene Uzzell) [Cleo], Ida Waterman [Madame Gardiner], Leslie Austen (Leslie Austin) [Doctor Paul Spencer], Lucien Muratore, Estar Banks
Famous Players-Lasky Corporation production; distributed by Paramount Pictures Corporation [A Paramount Picture]. / Scenario by Eve Unsell, from a play by Louis K. Anspacher. Cinematography by Hal Young. Presented by Adolph Zukor. / Released 29 September 1918. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [Motion Picture News, 28 September 1918, page ?] Leonora is the daughter of a poor lace-maker. She possesses a beautiful voice, but is not aware of the opportunity it offers her. Wealthy Americans Mr. and Mrs. Stuart discover its powers, and after her mother’s death they adopt Leonora and her younger sister Nina. Shortly afterwards she blossoms forth in Paris as its idol. She is now “La Vecci,” a much-admired and sought-after prima donna. One of her most ardent suitors is Count Nerval of Spain, whom she refuses to marry because of his unusually jealous disposition — although she does love him. His American cousin Phillip also becomes infatuated with the singer. Jealous of this new rival, Nerval almost forces Leonora to marry him. They depart for America for their honeymoon. Nina, accompanying them, meets young doctor Paul Spencer aboard ship and they fall in love. Leonora goes on tour in the States and when in the South receives an invitation to visit Phillip and his parents. He again makes love to her, but she remains faithful to her marriage vows, so fickle Phillip turns his attention on Nina. Jealous Nerval breaks with Leonora for the time being because of her presence in his cousin’s home. Nina receives a letter from Paul saying that he is coming to visit. Leonora shows the letter to Phillip, asking her to discontinue favoring Nina with his attention. That night Phillip attempts to kiss the charmer; afraid, she tries to stab him with a dagger. He easily defends himself and seizes her in his arms and she faints, but when she recovers, she discovers Phillip dead. When Paul arrives, he conducts an investigation and proves that Leonora could not have inflicted the wound. Soon after, a Creole girl confesses to the deed. She had loved Phillip. Later Leonora and her husband are reunited.
Survival status: The film is presumed lost.
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 4 January 2023.
References: Website-IMDb.
|
