Her Fighting Chance (1914)
Jim and Edith had made an early marriage. Then followed Jim's fight for literary success. This took his time away from his wife and they became indifferent to each other. Finally, success assured, and his work no longer a struggle, Jim felt the need of a sympathetic woman spirit. But left out of her husband's life by his work, Edith had become a social butterfly. Her husband's position gives her social place and he is able to give her plenty of money. A breach has come into their lives. Their only mutual interest is their children. Finally Jim finds a sympathetic spirit. Out of the hundreds of letters from admiring readers, he finds one that interests him. Nell Dare had long followed his work in the magazines, etc., and discovered that they had mutual aims. Jim's animal stories especially interested her and she finally writes in appreciation of one. Nell is a young school teacher with literary ambitions. This letter Jim answers and a correspondence is developed. Matters at home reach such a point that Jim is unable to work in that atmosphere of irritation and misunderstanding and establishes a studio. The children are his only touch with his home as they visit him at the studio daily. Jim sells one of Nell's stories for her and the editor agrees with Jim that Nell is going to be a great success. Jim spends his vacation at the farmhouse where Nell boards. Jim forgets that he is not free to love Nell. Nell goes to the city to live. She and Jim are already in love with each other. Nell and Jim realize the hopelessness of their cause and Jim makes a voyage to Africa. During his absence in Africa Edith and the children are at a summer resort. Nell comes to the same hotel. Edith goes driving with a spirited horse which runs away. Nell, riding horseback, sees and saves her. Later Edith writes to thank Nell and the name "Edith Corbin" is Nell's first intimation that she has rescued Jim's wife. Edith seeks Nell out and becomes much attached to her. Nell is rather taken with Edith and she is really lovable. Nell accidentally discovers that Edith has literary ability. Edith tells Nell her husband was always so busy with the work that she never told him she felt that she could write. Nell leaves Edith taking one of Edith's stories with her. She studies it and finds undoubted literary talent. Nell sees that Jim could find his working partner in his own wife if she would develop her talent as he has hers. What shall she do? Help Edith develop her writing and then take her chance for Jim and happiness with her or not? Suddenly she sees Carol and Jim, Jr., playing in the sand below her with their nurse. Little Jim, Jr., points out to sea, telling Carol, "Papa is way out there." The sight of them and her love for them determines her to help Edith with her writing, thereby giving the wife a "fighting chance." They return to the city. Nell neglects her own work to help Edith with her writing. Edith sells several stories, then begins a book. Nell is now sure that Edith will win, as Edith has given up society. Edith's book is a sensation and Nell goes to congratulate her. She decided to go away, leaving a letter telling Jim farewell. Jim returns to America, goes at once to his studio and tries to 'phone Nell. Failing, he finds the letter and his picture. He yields to the inevitable though his heart is breaking. He does not yet know that a different woman waits him in the butterfly wife he left. At the club he receives his first news of Edith's literary work and of her success. Surprised and wondering he goes home. Edith confesses shyly that she is the new "literary star." They go to the bedside of the sleeping Jim, Jr., and Carol. Jim kisses them. Jim understands what Nell meant when she said he could find his happiness at home. He and Edith are reunited. Then we see Nell on a train traveling away.
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Tom Ricketts | Director |
| Nellie Browne Duff | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Edward Coxen | |
| Winifred Greenwood | |
| Josephine Ditt | |
| Albert Cavens |
