Pauline Starke

WOMEN LOVE DIAMONDS

MGM, 1927.  Directed by Edmund Goulding.  Camera:  Ray Binger.  With Pauline Starke, Owen Moore, Lionel Barrymore, Cissy Fitzgerald, Gwen Lee, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

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Mavis Ray, supported by Hugo Harlan, whom she believes to be her uncle, is attracted to young society man Jerry Croker-Kelley, and they plan to elope unless the "uncle" consents to their marriage.  Harlan informs Jerry of the "unholy secret" of Mavis' parentage, and both he and the girl are disillusioned.

Later, taking a liking to her chauffeur, Patrick Regan, Mavis is drawn to him by witnessing the death of his wife when they are injured in an automobile accident.  She cares for his children but considers herself unworthy of him.  In a hysterical outburst, Mavis severs her ties to Harlan.

Afterward, having become a taxicab driver, Regan finds her working as a hospital nurse, and they are happily reconciled.

American Film Institute Catalog