For Better, for Worse
About For Better, for Worse
Dr. Edward Meade and Richard Burton both want Sylvia Norcross, and both volunteer for the war. Edward stays to work in a children's hospital. Sylvia calls that cowardice and marries Richard as his regiment leaves. Richard is wounded, loses his right hand, and has his face cut. He sends word that he is dead. Sylvia, who has hurt an orphan girl in a car crash, asks Edward to operate. She agrees to marry Edward. On the day the engagement is to be announced, Richard comes home with a new hand and work done on his face. She cannot hide her aversion. He leaves, and Betty Hoyt, who has wanted him, takes Sylvia's place. Sylvia goes to Edward. Richard follows, and the four of them settle it.
Cast & crew
More about For Better, for Worse
Cecil B. DeMille directed. Sam Wood was assistant director. Famous Players-Lasky made it for Artcraft. Shooting ran from 27 January to 24 March 1919. It opened on 27 April 1919, in seven reels, 7,105 feet, listed at 70 minutes. Elliott Dexter plays Edward Meade. Tom Forman plays Richard Burton. Gloria Swanson plays Sylvia Norcross. Wanda Hawley plays Betty Hoyt.
Themes
Background
Artcraft released it on 27 April 1919, months after the Armistice, with the plot still set in the war.
Making
DeMille shot it in two months in early 1919, with Swanson between the two men and the war used as the split.
Look
James Wong Howe photographed the hospital, the farewell, and Richard's return.
Preservation
A print survives.
Notes
- Sylvia Ashton plays Sylvia's aunt. Raymond Hatton plays Bud. Theodore Roberts plays the hospital head. Winter Hall plays a doctor. Jack Holt plays a crusader in a vision sequence. Mae Giraci plays the little girl.
- Richard asks a friend to tell his wife he was killed.
- Betty is the one who says she can take Sylvia's place.
- Edward is found at home with the orphan on his lap.
Scenes
- Sylvia marries Richard because Edward stays at the hospital.
- Richard comes back on the day her engagement to Edward is to be announced.
- Betty takes his arm in the hall.
Also available
- Internet Archive (silent-for-better-for-worse)
