Summaries

Synopsis

After some twenty years of marriage, Mrs. Hugh Manners plans to divorce her attorney husband, whom she characterizes as an "old slow poke." At forty years old, Mrs. Manners refuses to admit she is growing old, and so indulges in beauty treatments and flirtations. The Manners' daughter, Hazel, attends a boarding school. She is engaged to Robert Belmar, the son of Mr. Manners' law partner. As the first papers arrive to file for the divorce, Mrs. Manners is so happy that she forgets her daughter Hazel's birthday. Hazel, who had gotten remembrances from her father and Robert, is disappointed in her mother. Hazel hurries home, and is shocked to discover her mother is hosting a lavish party in honor of the impending divorce. Mrs. Manners is also shocked to see her daughter, and sends Hazel to her room. Preston Ducayne showers attention on Mrs. Manners, and with the aid of his paramour, Olga Kazanoff, has blackmail in mind. But Ducayne is really interested in Hazel, and the now rebellious Hazel decides what is good for her mother is good for her. Robert becomes concerned over Hazel's interest in Ducayne. Hazel keeps an appointment with Ducayne as his apartment. Mrs. Manners arrives to find her daughter intoxicated. She shoots at Ducayne, at the same time that another shot rings out. Ducayne falls dead on the floor. Robert, who had learned of Hazel's appointment with Ducayne, goes to the apartment, and finding Ducayne dead, shoulders the blame to protect Hazel. Hugh Manners seizes the opportunity to work on the case and clear his family, and Robert as well. Eventually, Manners gets Olga to confess that she fired the fatal shot. Mrs. Manners realizes she cannot turn back the years, and reunites with her husband.