Virtue Triumphant

• 1916
• Other, Drama

Helen Lord is a clever young girl, but unable to convince the managers of her histrionic ability. However, she finally achieves a triumph, and Thomas Burt, a theatrical manager, susceptible to pretty women and dazzled by Helen's triumph, endeavors to make love to her. He is spurned. Not being inclined to a woman who resents his familiarities, Burt engages Gladys Earle, an actress with few morals, to succeed Helen Lord, and gives Helen her notice of release. Billy Boyd is a young playwright, who finds that genius in the playwrighting line is mostly perspiration. Billy meets Helen, and is inspired by a scheme, in which to put his latest play over, with Helen in the leading role. Helen, through make-up, impersonates Madam Dreasco, and Billy enacts the part of the Madam's son, both of whom are expected in the United States. Thomas Burt is summoned to the hotel of the supposed Madam Dreasco. He reads the play, is taken with it and purchases it. However, the contract reads that Burt is to leave the choice of a leading woman to the Madam. Later, after a most successful "first night," Burt discovers that the leading woman is none other than Helen Lord, the girl he had once discharged. The real Madam Dreasco sends word to the theatrical manager and his leading woman, that she hopes for the girl's unqualified success, and that the playwright who wrote such a good play is certainly entitled to meet the success he has achieved.