In the Latin Quarter (1915)

• 79%
• 1915
• Lionel Belmore
• Edith Storey
• S. Rankin Drew
• Antonio Moreno

At a studio tea given by Jean Duval in honor of his bride, Marie, one of his fellow artists, Andrew Lenique, presents her with an oddly-carved dagger, which she had previously admired. Lenique has painted a beautiful panel in competition for the 50,000 franc prize at the National Gallery. Duval has not entered any of his work, not being able to find a satisfactory model, and it is generally believed Lenique will win. Some weeks later, Manon, a beautiful street-singer, driven by hunger and cruelty, escapes from her brutal father and seeks refuge in the studio building, where she is found and befriended by Duval and Lenique. In her Duval finds his long-sought model and becomes so absorbed in his prize picture he neglects Marie. Manon and Lenique fall in love. When Duval's picture is completed, Lenique jealously realizes it is a greater work than his own and determines to destroy the painting. Marie happens to see Manon faint from weariness in Duval's arms, and misconstrues the situation. She denounces her husband and secretly determines to destroy the picture of her supposed rival, Manon. She attempts to do so, but finds herself unequal to the task of slashing the wonderful creation. Hearing footsteps, she drops the knife and hides. Lenique enters, picks up the knife and as he is about to strike Manon comes into the room. She springs between him and the picture, receiving the knife blow herself. Lanique flees. Duval, finding the dagger, believes his wife guilty of the crime. Fortunately for all concerned Manon recovers and explains that it was an accident. Duval's picture wins the prize and Lenique, now happy in his requited love for Manon, tells him sincerely that he is glad.