A School for Husbands (1917)

Betty Manners is the plain, economical wife of the frivolous John Manners. John is fond of races and spends most of his time, when he should be at his broker's office, playing the horses. His wife being such a plain dresser causes John to dislike taking her out, and he consequently pays a lot of attention to Mrs. Airlie, who is vivacious and stylish. This arouses Betty's jealousy, and she decides to buy some stylish and expensive clothes just as the stock market goes wrong with John. An old friend of Betty's arrives and brings her news of a vast fortune left her and that she is now Lady Betty Manners. Betty keeps the news a secret and proceeds to spend the money on gowns, hats, automobiles, etc. John soon finds that the only thing left of his wealth is their estate in the west, and he goes there to sell it. When Betty hears of this she organizes a party, secures a private car, and leaves for California. Betty and her party arrive there first. As John and Mrs. Airlie stroll through the park they are confronted by Betty and Sir Harry, who seem to be quite fond of each other. Unknown to John, Sir Harry buys the estate for Betty. John, by this time insanely jealous, calls upon Sir Harry at his hotel, where a struggle ensues. John fires, and believes he has killed Sir Harry. Terrorized, he returns home in a pouring rainstorm and Betty hides him on an open porch. The police enter, as does Sir Harry, and John is brought to the realization of how foolish he has been. He is forgiven all around and all is well.