Primal Instinct (1916)
Having tasted life in a hovel, Irma enjoys every moment as companion to wealthy Mrs. Easton. She often pretends that the large estate is hers and entertains her imaginary guests lavishly. Mrs. Easton's health is rapidly failing, and her lawyer Tilden is plotting to get her fortune by fair means or foul. He tells her that her only son John died in a shipwreck, and she changes her will leaving the bulk of the estate to Irma. This is just what Tilden wants and he sets out to win Irma for his bride so the fortune shall be within his grasp. Just as Mrs. Easton is breathing her last, John enters the room, and although she sees him, the end is near and she is powerless to change her bequest. In the course of time Irma and John fall in love with each other and Tilden sees the fortune slipping from his grasp but is powerless to prevent their marriage. After the marriage John continues to carry on his charitable work with Irma's assistance. With Tilden, who is posing as their friend, they visit the slums and see the lowly condition of the children. Knowing her love of luxury, Tilden instills the fear of having her children live in a like fashion in Irma's heart; she laughs it off, saying that with her fortune she will never want. He tells her that at the rate her husband is spending her money for charitable purposes, the fortune will not last long. His words have the desired effect and the germ of uneasiness is born within her. She tells her husband that he must stop spending her money for charitable purposes as she believes charity begins at home. From then on, she hoards her money and is in constant fear of poverty. While she is entertaining some friends at home, Tilden gets John under the influence of liquor and Irma sees him in this condition. Tilden then asks her to divorce John and marry him, a request which she sternly refuses. John learns of Tilden's treachery and in his drunken state he starts out for Tilden's apartment with a revolver. He is about to shoot him when Irma enters and restrains him. Irma's views have undergone a decided change, and she and John take great pleasure in watching their little adopted kiddies romp playfully around the lawn.
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Domestic
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Van Dyke Brooke | Director |
| Mrs. Owen Bronson | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Leah Baird | |
| Donald Cameron | |
| Jack Ellis | |
| Leila Blow |
