The Bludgeon (1915)

Chemist Carl Evendorr lives happily with his wife Irene, and their little daughter Rose, until he perfects a formula that brings him a fortune and Irene persuades him to move into more pretentious quarters. Here Irene falls into the hands of social leech Mrs. Wharton. At their first entertainment, Irene, persuaded by Mrs. Wharton, appears in the costume of Odalisk, which brings men to her feet. Carl remonstrates, but to no avail. Funds run low and Irene wins large sums intentionally lost to her at cards. Carl, perfecting another formula, leaves to sell it. Mrs. Wharton, pressing Irene to pay her debts, finally tells "Stoney" Brooke, one of her admirers, how to win Irene. Returning home, the formula sold for a small sum, Carl finds his wife in Brooke's arms. To save his life, Brooke falsely confesses his guilt. Irene divorces Carl, he taking the blame, and later, Hillman, a lawyer and friend of Carl's, marries her. Brooke threatens Mrs. Wharton, demands money and she causes his arrest. Ten years later on his release Brooke obtains money from Irene by threats, and about to leave, he is met by Mrs. Wharton. A struggle ensues and Brooke shoots Mrs. Wharton. Carl, now working in a laboratory, plans to see his daughter. He rushes in and is seen bending over Mrs. Wharton, just as Irene and the police enter the room. Hillman gives himself up, thereby saving Carl. Brooke dies and Hillman passes away in his cell. Finally Carl and Irene come together, contented, if not happy, in the love of their daughter, Rose.