His House in Order; or, the Widower's Quest (1913)
Widower Charles Duckworth's house has long been kept by his sister Florence, but one day she tells him she's engaged to his old friend Jack Manning. Florence advises Charles to remarry and, after supplying excellent reasons why he should, she tells him of several girls who might make him a suitable wife. When his little daughter Nell is brought in later by her governess Alice Harding, he asks her how she would like a new mother. Nell is enthusiastic and leads forward the governess, suggesting that she would make the best mother in the world. Alice is embarrassed, but laughs it off. The widower goes out to make a series of calls upon various young ladies, looking for one that would make a suitable mother for little Nell. As he leaves, he notices Alice sitting by the fire with Nell, telling her some pretty bedtime stories. As soon as he is gone, the servants prepare to spend a jolly evening, dressing up in the clothes of their master and his sister and organizing an impromptu dance in the hallway. Duckworth calls first upon Kate Barnes, but does not stay long at that house; the young lady is altogether too lively and skittish to suit his taste. Then he calls on May Holmes, but finds her far too languid. Gladys Phillips, another girl, is bookishly inclined, and lacks an affectionate nature; Margaret Crimmins, upon whom he calls last, absolutely lacks culture, smokes cigarettes, and generally shows that all she wants is a good time. Duckworth thinks of little Nell by the fireside with her governess and hurries away home. The servants are enjoying a regular carousal, and make so much noise that they wake Nell and her governess, who is sleeping in a chair beside her. Alice goes downstairs and attempts to stop the racket, but they tell her to mind her own business. In the midst of it all, Duckworth enters. The servants all rush downstairs, leaving the widower with his daughter and her governess. Duckworth sees how Nell and Alice love each other, and takes them both into his arms; his quest is ended, as he has found the right mother for Nell.
All Releases
Domestic
–
–
International
–
–
Worldwide
–
–
GenresComedy
Drama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Wilfrid North | Director |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Robert Gaillard | |
| Julia Swayne Gordon | |
| Kate Price | |
| Rose Tapley |
