Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
The Polygamous Arrangement
Introduction to James Duxbury's unconventional lifestyle and his multiple wives in 1920s America.
Key Events
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Polygamous Lifestyle Introduction — Duxbury's unconventional family life established Characters: James Duxbury, Viola Helmesley Duxbury, Blanche Fountain Duxbury, Mrs. Maggs Duxbury
Location: Duxbury Residence
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Orme Meets Amy — Professor Orme encounters Amy Characters: Charles Orme, Amy Duxbury
Location: Social Gathering
Forbidden Attraction
Professor Charles Orme develops feelings for Amy Duxbury, creating complications in their social circle.
Key Events
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Romantic Development — Orme and Amy grow closer Characters: Charles Orme, Amy Duxbury
Location: Private Setting
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Marital Status Questioned — Uncertainty about Amy's legal marital status emerges Characters: Charles Orme, Amy Duxbury, James Duxbury
Location: Investigative Setting
Legal Uncertainties
Questions arise about the legitimacy of Amy's marriage to Duxbury, creating tension and moral dilemmas.
Key Events
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Duxbury's Uncertainty — Duxbury questions his own marriage to Amy Characters: James Duxbury, Amy Duxbury
Location: Duxbury Residence
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Confrontation — Direct conflict between Orme and Duxbury Characters: Charles Orme, James Duxbury
Location: Confrontational Setting
Confrontation and Resolution
The truth about Amy's marital status is revealed, leading to a resolution of the conflicts and redefinition of relationships.
Key Events
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Truth Revealed — Amy's true marital status discovered Characters: Charles Orme, Amy Duxbury, James Duxbury, Dr. McMaster
Location: Legal Setting
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Resolution — Conflicts resolved, relationships redefined Characters: Charles Orme, Amy Duxbury, James Duxbury
Location: Final Setting
James Duxbury (Lou Tellegen) is an exponent of polygamy, which may not be legal but certainly provides him with several evenings of entertainment. Professor Charles Orme (Matt Moore) falls in love with Duxbury's fourth wife Amy (Margaret Livingston). Things get dicey indeed as Orme tries to figure out whether Amy is still married to Duxbury or not -- in fact, Duxbury isn't sure either.
