Widow by Proxy (1919): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1919, Widow by Proxy is a comedy and romance film directed by Walter Edwards, running about 50 minutes.

What it’s about. Spinster sisters Sophronia and Angelica Pennington of Massachusetts refuse to meet Dolores, the bride of their nephew Jack, because she formerly was an actress. After Dolores receives word that Jack died at the front in France, she moves in with Gloria Grey, who barely supports herself by giving singing lessons. Soon Gloria's money dwindles and her creditors become threatening. When Dolores learns that she will inherit $5,000 from Jack's estate, she refuses to accept it out of pride, but Gloria convinces Dolores that they should go to Pennington Manor with their identities switched. Gloria impresses the aunts when she says that her godmother is a duchess. She and Jack's brother Steven fall in love, and when he is notified to report to naval duty, he proposes that they marry immediately. They then learn that Jack is alive. When Jack finds out that his wife was about to marry his brother, he starts to leave brokenhearted, but he sees the real Dolores and matters are straightened out.

Who’s in it. Widow by Proxy stars Marguerite Clark as Gloria Grey, Agnes Vernon as Dolores Pennington, Gertrude Norman as Sophronia Pennington and Gertrude Claire as Angelica Pennington, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.0/10, Widow by Proxy has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Widow by Proxy page.

If you liked it. Fans of Widow by Proxy tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.