The plot is based on eugenics. Madeline Francis (played by Gretchen Hartman) is just about to marry Robert Worthing (played by Milton Sills) when she learns that there is insanity in his family history (per the report of Worthing's mother, played by Marie Shotwell). Hence they cannot have children lest they surely pass on the madness to their spawn. Madeline begs for the marriage to take place to avoid shame, but she is treated like a sister rather than a bride. Madeline is left to contemplate suicide, but joy returns when Worthing finally learns he was adopted and that they can procreate without fear.(11 November 1917). Lyric offers strong play, The Sunday Chronicle (Paterson, New Jersey)Langman, Larry. American Film Cycles: The Silent Era, pp. 213-14 (1998)Pernick, Martin S. The Black Stork, p. 135 (1996)
