A Conflicting Conscience (1916) "A Conflicting Conscience"  IMP COMEDY Story by G. E. Jenks. Scenario by F. McGrew Willie Produced by C. D. Bennett. CAST Frank Allen Watdsorth Harris Marie Maud Emory Van Dusen Bertram Grassby Frank Allen, a man of wealth, is happily married, and he and his wife, Marie, and their little baby are living in the same city as Van Dusen, an artist of unsavory reputation.  Marie has always kept from Frank the knowledge that before she met him, she posed for Van Dusen, and was compelled to leave his studio on account of his advances to her. One evening at a mutual friend's house they meet Van Dusen and Frank is introduced to him. While alone with Marie, Van Dusen attempts to force his attentions upon her, but she repulses him. This angers him and he suggest to her that possibly she would be willing to listen to him, rather than have Frank find out that she once posed for him. Marie, terrified, nevertheless repels his advances and Van Dusen resolves to inform Fran in some manner of her former position. He invites the party to visit his studio the following evening. While Marie was a model, she had posed for a painting entitled, "The Grieving Dryad," a picture showing a scantily clad girl weeping over a withered rose. Van Dusen returns to his studio, and taking the painting from its place of storage, places it in a prominent place and covers it with a tapestry. The next evening Marie tells Frank that she does not feel well enough to accompany him and the other to the studio, and he goes alone. Marie, in fear and terror of what may happen, gathers the baby in her arms and falls asleep (sic) in a chair. At the studio, Van Dusen unveils the painting at a dramatic moment; and it Frank's confusion, tells him that it was merely a surprise for him, as he supposed that every one knew that Marie wsa once his model. Frank's anger and jealousy is aroused to such a pitch that he tears the painting from its place and rushes home to confront Marie. He finds her asleep, and as he hesitates to wake her, his imagination see her as having friendly relations with Van Dusen. His better nature conquers, however, and he returns to the studio to force the truth from the artist. Van Dusen, conscience-stricken, has just finished a letter to Frank, clearing Marie and acknowledging that his motive was revenge for her repulse. After a scene between them, he gives Frank the letter and apologizes and offers him the painting. Frank forgives Van Dusen and hurries home, where Marie has just awakened. She sees the painting and is filled with terror. Frank enters and calms her fears by explaining that he knows all, and that there is nothing for her to be alarmed about. The dark cloud rolls away and all is happiness again. from The Moving Picture Weekly, July 8, 1916, p. 28 with Wadsworth Harris and Maud Emory. Directed by C. D. Bennett. Imp/Universal. More Information on this film...                                       This work (A Conflicting Conscience (1917), by Universal), identified by Bruce Calvert, is free of known copyright restrictions. Books (none) Last Modified April 28, 2012.