Widow by Proxy

Spinster sisters Sophronia and Angelica Pennington of Massachusetts refuse to meet Dolores, the bride of their nephew Jack, because she formerly was an actress. After Dolores receives word that Jack died at the front in France, she moves in with Gloria Grey, who barely supports herself by giving singing lessons. Soon Gloria's money dwindles and her creditors become threatening. When Dolores learns that she will inherit $5,000 from Jack's estate, she refuses to accept it out of pride, but Gloria convinces Dolores that they should go to Pennington Manor with their identities switched. Gloria impresses the aunts when she says that her godmother is a duchess. She and Jack's brother Steven fall in love, and when he is notified to report to naval duty, he proposes that they marry immediately. They then learn that Jack is alive. When Jack finds out that his wife was about to marry his brother, he starts to leave brokenhearted, but he sees the real Dolores and matters are straightened out.

Directed by Walter Edwards, Widow by Proxy leans on a strong ensemble — Marguerite Clark, Agnes Vernon, Gertrude Norman — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1919.