Mr. Skeffington

Plots: A spoiled woman enters into a loveless marriage with an older man to save her beloved brother from an embezzlement charge. In 1914 New York City, adult brother and sister “Trippy” and Fanny Trellis, whose parents are now deceased, were once wealthy, but Trippy squandered away the family fortune, about which no one knows except their cousin George Trellis and their many creditors. Fanny and Trippy still put on the façade to the outside world that they have money. The beautiful Fanny can have any man that she wants to marry, but she sets her sights on Job Skeffington, the son of Russian-Jewish immigrants. Job’s wealth was self-made in finance. They met as Trippy was once employed by Job in his brokerage house. Fanny and Job, who is now aware of the Trellis’ financial straits, ultimately do get married, much to the consternation of Fanny’s many suitors, but most specifically to Trippy, who knows the reason why Fanny married him. Job also realizes that Fanny does not love him, but is unaware of the real reason she agreed to marry him. After their marriage, Fanny’s suitors are still around with more joining the ranks, which Job does not mind as he is aware that Fanny is not leading them on. But when the reason for Fanny marrying Job no longer exists, their relationship changes. They have to figure out what to do, which now takes into consideration their daughter, also named Fanny. As time goes on, they grow into middle age and Fanny’s physical beauty deteriorates, Fanny comes to the realization of what is really important in life. Job Skeffington informs Fanny Trellis’ that her brother Trippy has embezzled from the Skeffington bank. She marries Job to save Trippy who, angry with her, goes to World War I and is killed. She divorces Job and sends her daughter to live with him in Europe. She now takes up with host of lovers. As World War II rolls around her daughter rejoins her. After a bout of diphtheria she loses her fabulous beauty and her daughter runs off with Fanny’s most recent lover. Job is returning to America, penniless and–fortunately–also blind.