His Double Life

Following Lady Helen's mistaken belief that Priam has proposed to her, the painter returns to London with his loyal valet Henry Leek. Priam hopes to dodge the limelight by staying close to Leek, but the move draws attention to their unusual companionship. The homecoming sets the stage for the confusion that drives the plot.

Shortly after arriving, Leek dies of pneumonia in a hospital. The attending doctor, unable to tell the men apart, mistakenly reports that the renowned painter has died. The erroneous obituary pins Priam's name to Leek and fans the public misidentification.

Priam is relieved to be mistaken for his valet by almost everyone, including his cousin Duncan who hasn't seen him since he was 12. He tries to clear up the confusion, but others remain convinced of Leek's identity. The ruse allows Priam to dodge fame while contemplating a quieter life.

Priam goes to a hotel where he meets Alice Chalice, who was put in touch with Leek through The Matrimonial Times and was to meet Leek for the first time there. Leek had sent her a photograph of both men, so she repeats the same mistaken identity. Priam finds Alice pleasant and starts to wonder if he could live a different life with her.

Priam learns there would be a great honor of being interred in Westminster Abbey, a prospect he cannot convincingly claim. The idea unsettles him because he cannot persuade others that he is the painter. He remains unable to reveal his true identity.

Although reluctant at first, Priam agrees to marry Alice and pursue a quiet country life. Then Alice's income from brewery shares disappears along with the brewery itself, threatening their stability. Priam reassures her that he can support them by selling his paintings, though she remains skeptical about depending on art.

A painting passes through several hands and ends up with Oxford, Priam's old agent who recognizes the artist's style. Oxford buys all of Priam's new paintings and resells them, guaranteeing that they are genuine Farrels. He uses the arrangement to maintain the illusion that Priam is still producing work.

Oxford tracks Priam down and asks him to reveal that he is still alive. It turns out a painting Oxford sold bears the date 1932, two years after Priam's supposed death, and the buyer has brought Oxford to court. Priam refuses to come forward, prompting Oxford to escalate the manipulation.

Oxford's advertisement for information about Henry Leek triggers a visit by Leek's widow, accompanied by her clergymen sons, who identify Priam as her husband. Priam bolts at the first opportunity, but Alice portrays Henry Leek as violent and not entirely sane to avoid a scandal. The encounter forces Priam to confront the consequences of the ruse.

Priam is brought into court. In the course of testimony, Duncan recalls that Priam has two moles on his neck. Priam initially refuses to show them, but Alice convinces him to do so, finally confirming his identity.

With the truth out, Priam and Alice decide to leave the scene and seek privacy. They sail away together to begin a new life away from public scrutiny. The film closes on their quiet departure as they seek peace beyond the lie.