Character Relationship Map: For Wives Only

Characters

• Laura Rittenhaus (played by Marie Prevost) — protagonist

  Dr. Rittenhaus's wife who feels neglected. She spends time with Carl Tanzer but rejects his advances, then creates a fake letter to provoke jealousy in her husband. Later, she meets Fritz Schwerman wh...

• Dr. Rittenhaus (played by Victor Varconi) — supporting

  A well-liked physician in Vienna's upper class. He is approached by Waldstein regarding Countess von Nessa's sanitarium proposal. After receiving his wife's jealous provocation and witnessing the Coun...

• Dr. Carl Tanzer (played by Charles K. Gerrard) — supporting

  A man who makes romantic advances toward Laura Rittenhaus. His efforts are firmly rejected by Laura.

• Housekeeper (played by Josephine Crowell) — supporting
• Dr. Fritz Schwerman (played by Arthur Hoyt) — supporting

  A friend of Dr. Rittenhaus who encounters Laura while she is evading unwanted attention from another man. He agrees to have lunch with her.

• Professor von Waldstein (played by Claude Gillingwater) — supporting

  A friend of Dr. Rittenhaus who asks him to consider Countess von Nessa's proposal to donate funds and land for a new sanitarium.

• Countess von Nessa (played by Dorothy Cumming) — supporting

  A noblewoman who proposes donating funds and land for a new sanitarium. She also makes romantic advances toward Dr. Rittenhaus during a social gathering.

• Butler (played by William Courtright) — supporting

Story Analysis

A marital drama exploring neglect, social temptation, and the ultimate triumph of domestic commitment.

Plot Progression

1. Social Intrigues — The Countess proposes a sanitarium donation while navigating Vienna's elite circles. The wife feels neglected and begins to feel isolated within her marriage.
2. Misguided Maneuvers — The wife attempts to provoke jealousy through a fake letter, which fails. She then navigates unwanted attention and agrees to lunch with a friend.
3. Social Climax — At a card game, the wife tries to impress guests while the Countess makes advances toward the physician. The husband becomes disgusted and leaves.
4. Domestic Resolution — The husband returns home and confronts the day's events. The couple reconciles happily, prioritizing their marriage over social distractions.