The Heart of a Magdalene (1914)
A prize of $10,000 is offered by Bishop Conroy for a picture of the Madonna. Among the artists who decide to compete is young Leon Hewitt. Marie Horton, a wealthy young woman, has taken a fancy to the young artist. She offers to be his model in the picture. One night Leon, in a rage wipes out every vestige of his work. Thompson, an artist friend, and another student, drag him out to a café. Drinking with the gay crowd Hewitt suddenly observes a woman. He declares her to be the ideal model for his picture. Thompson tells him that the woman is the notorious Mlle. Clarine Caldee. It makes no difference. Thompson at last laughingly volunteers to introduce him. They go to the table and Leon meets the woman. When Leon makes his suggestion that she pose as a Madonna for him, her crowd shouts with laughter. Her lover lifts his glass high and offers a toast to Mlle. as a Madonna. Annoyed and spiteful, she accepts Leon's offer. The next day she arrives in a "simple" dress, lace and ruffles. Leon gives her a painting apron and tells her to change quickly and let her hair down. Though annoyed she does as she is told. He has borrowed the landlady's baby and puts it in Clarine's arms. She is startled. But later, when the baby is asleep, she lefts the little hand curiously and holds it to her cheek. Later Leon bids her rest. They are drinking with the baby sitting on Clarine's knee when Marie comes in. She is angry. When Leon insists that he needs the model, Marie breaks their engagement. The weeks go by. The baby and the man's kindness have changed Clarine. She has learned to love him devotedly. To him she is the model, nothing more. The picture is finished and it wins the prize. Leon gives a fete. Clarine is not invited. Hurt by this neglect and angry that she is to have no part in honoring a picture which could not have been made but for her, she determines to ruin it. She slips to the studio in time to watch the guests depart. Marie has returned to Leon and now that he is successful, again offers her love. He accepts, but there is little heart in it. Clarine stands before the picture in the empty studio a sharp knife in her hand. She raises to strike, but something stops her; she cannot hurt this picture, it is herself. In the mirror she sees her own face. It is the same face as that of the Madonna, the face of a good woman. The knife clatters to the floor. She stands, head bowed, as Leon enters the room. He is angry. She clings to him and pleads. He says she must go. "You have made me the good woman of that picture. Would you send me back to the old life again?" Leon hesitates. Then he turns to the picture. Then he looks down at Clarine kneeling at his feet. He realizes what she means to him and how empty was the gay fete just past without her. He lifts her and takes her in his arms.
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Lloyd Ingraham | Director |
| Ruth Ann Baldwin | Writer |
| Pat Powers | Producer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Edna Maison | |
| Bert Hadley | |
| Joe King | |
| Beatrice Van |
