Remodeling Her Husband
Remodeling Her Husband is a 1920 American silent comedy film that marked the only time Lillian Gish directed a film.
D. W. Griffith is stated in some sources as co-director or perhaps had limited input as the production was filmed at his Mamaroneck, New York production facilities. Lillian Gish wrote the story and scenario incognito as Dorothy Elizabeth Carter with Algonquin Round Table writer Dorothy Parker supplying the intertitles. Thus the movie was nearly an all-woman produced movie with the exception of the cameraman.
The film, currently classified as lost, stars Lillian's sister Dorothy Gish and Dorothy's husband at the time James Rennie. George W. Hill, who is the cinematographer, later directed classic films at MGM like Tell It to the Marines and The Big House.
Plot
Janie Wakefield marries Jack Valentine, who frequently flirts with other women. Although Jack promises to reform, his attraction to other women continues to cause problems. Early in their marriage, he assists a stylish woman with her suitcase and takes her home. Janie, passing by on a bus, sees the interaction and becomes suspicious. Though Jack manages to explain himself, the incident strains their relationship.Later, Jack becomes involved with a flirtatious manicurist, further testing Janie's patience. She leaves him and returns to live with her parents, Mrs. Wakefield and Mr. Wakefield, and begins working in her father's office. There, she proves herself capable and begins building a career.
Jack, regretful and still in love with Janie, pleads for forgiveness. She eventually agrees to reconcile but asserts her independence. When Jack tries to reassert control, she firmly has him removed from her office. Threatening suicide in a final act of desperation, Jack finally makes Janie reconsider. She determines to make the relationship work and succeeds in reforming his behavior. Jack becomes a faithful husband, and they reconcile.