The Eternal Feminine (1915)

John Strong refuses to espouse the suffrage cause, despite the fact that his rival candidate for governor, Colonel Foster, is ardent in the cause of suffrage. Strong loves Helen, the daughter of Colonel Foster, who is enthusiastic in the cause of woman's rights. Helen is also beloved by Charles Philips, a social butterfly, without an ambition in the world. The last night of the campaign Charles Philips accompanies Helen to hear Strong make a political speech. Later, Charles endeavors to address an assembly of suffragettes, and his pitiful effort is mentally compared by Helen to the masterful discourse delivered by John Strong. Strong is elected governor of the state. Mrs. Brentwood, a wealthy widow, who secretly loves Strong, gives a reception for him. There Strong again meets Helen. He proposes to her and is rejected. "You have in me a suitor who refuses to be rejected," says Strong, who leaves Helen's side for a time. Helen, in the moonlight, falls into a reverie. Her thoughts go back to the Stone Age, and she thinks herself a queen of that period, ruling the Clan Feminine. Strongarm comes from a far country and cannot understand the abject servility of the men who are ruled by a young woman queen and her women. He expostulates with them, leads an uprising, and the men overpower the women. Strongarm refuses the offers of marriage made to him by a widow, and takes possession of the beautiful Queen Helen, and carries her to his cave. The widow and the weakling, who bears a strong resemblance to Charles Philips, and who loves Helen, the queen, trace Strongarm to his cave. There they discover that Strongarm has won the love of the queen, proving his masterfulness. Helen Foster awakens with a start and remembers that she is at a social function. Governor-elect Strong returns to her side. She goes slowly toward him and places her arms about his neck. Mrs. Brentwood and Charles Philips see this action on the girl's part. A glance of understanding is exchanged, and softly they leave.