He insists on writing a letter of resignation from Parliament. Matters finally come to a head on the Shands' second wedding anniversary, with John telling Maggie and her family that he and Lady Sybil are in love. When the influential politician Charles Venables ( Henry Stephenson) comes to sound him out, Maggie sees him first and takes it upon herself to state that John would resign from the party rather than betray his principles. John has become a financial expert, and is for the country dropping the gold standard, which is against the policy of his Labour Party. Maggie too works diligently and craftily on her husband's behalf, planting ideas that he takes for his own. Lady Sybil helps forward John's political career, and the two fall in love. On the train to London to take his seat, John is given the opportunity by Maggie to back out of their agreement, but he avers that a bargain is a bargain and marries her. Lady Sybil had lately shown an unexpected interest in politics after seeing the handsome victor. Two of the 'quality', la Contessa la Brierre ( Lucile Watson) and her niece Lady Sybil Tenterden (Madge Evans), show up to congratulate him. The Wylies insist he sign a formal contract.Īs the five years draw to an end, he stands for Parliament and wins. Impressed by his initiative, they offer him £300 to finance his studies provided that he give Maggie the option of marrying him after five years. When they catch poor but ambitious 21-year-old John Shand (Brian Ahern) breaking into their house late at night to use their library, they seize the opportunity. She is less than heartbroken, but they fear for her marital prospects at the age of 27.

Plot Īlick Wylie ( David Torrence) and his sons David ( Donald Crisp) and James ( Dudley Digges) are greatly concerned about Alick's daughter Maggie (Helen Hayes), who has been jilted by a minister. Hayes was familiar with the material as she had starred in a 1926 Broadway revival opposite Kenneth MacKenna. An even earlier British silent version was filmed in 1917. It was filmed by Paramount back in the silent era in 1921 and stars Lois Wilson. The film was produced and distributed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and is based on the play What Every Woman Knows (1908) by J. What Every Woman Knows is a 1934 American romantic comedy film directed by Gregory La Cava and starring Helen Hayes, Brian Aherne and Madge Evans.

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