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- Pauline, a young maiden, must protect herself from the treacherous "guardian" of her inheritance, who repeatedly plots to murder her and take the money for himself.
- With the help of a private detective, Elaine tries to catch the masked criminal mastermind The Clutching Hand, who has murdered her father.
- In 1572, young queen Marguerite de Valois is driven by her mother Catherine de Médicis to marry Henri de Navarre, a Protestant leader, so as to appease the tensions between Catholics and Huguenots. But the marriage of convenience proves a double failure because not only are the newlyweds ill-matched sexually but a horrible killing spree (the Saint Bartholomew's Day massacre) ensues as well...
- Stevens, the bank clerk, is ambitious. His great desire is to become a lawyer. He stays at the bank at night to study, but is unable to take a course at college owing to his poverty. He handles immense sums of money every day and is strongly tempted to steal some, but fights off the desire till one evening when a belated customer comes late to the bank with a deposit of several thousand dollars. He sees a way for his ambition to be gratified and takes the money. His wife refuses to go with him, so he deserts her and his small daughter and goes away. Some time later we see him in a strange town living under an assumed name. His ambition has been gratified and through the good will of the political boss he has been made a judge. He falls in love with the daughter of his friend, the boss, but is deterred from marriage by the thought of his wife whom he had deserted. In the meantime Mrs. Stevens has become destitute and unable to support her daughter. She takes her daughter to an orphan asylum and releases all claim on her. Mrs. Stevens is unable to obtain work and at last is found unconscious and taken to a hospital. Her handbag, containing her identification papers, is lost and picked up by another woman who is in the last stages of exhaustion. The woman succumbs to the cold and on being found is thought to be Mrs. Stevens. Her death as Mrs. Stevens is reported to the papers. Judge Harding (formerly Stevens) sees the report of the death and marries the daughter of the boss. The boss decides to run Judge Harding for governor of the state, but his choice is attacked very strongly by a young lawyer, Norris. The boss and Harding try to buy Norris, but finding that he cannot be reached they decide to "frame up" his sweetheart in order to break his determination to prevent the election of Harding. They get her into trouble and Judge Harding is appointed to try the case. He is conducting the case in a very severe manner with a decided feeling against the prisoner. The superintendent of the orphan asylum has followed the course of the little girl's life and comes to the city to see her. She recognizes Mrs. Stevens as the woman who left the child at the orphanage and takes her to see the trial. As Mrs. Stevens enters she recognizes in Judge Harding the man who deserted her so many years ago. While the jury have retired to settle the case Mrs. Stevens accuses Judge Harding. The sudden excitement causes an attack of heart failure just as the jury return with a verdict of "Not Guilty."
- An army pilot is on a visit at the home of another army pilot in the neighboured country. He falls in love with his sister. After the outbreak of a war between the two countries, her brother is killed by her friend in a battle, he is killed by some friends of her brother. She engages her with her brother's friend who was there, but then she finds out about that battle.
- About the daughter of the Borgia, a noble medieval house. From her numerous and unhappy weddings, to the forced monacation, to the will of her family.
- Jean Valjean, a good man convicted of a minor crime, escapes from imprisonment and spends the rest of his life running from the vindictive and implacable man of the law, Javert.
- Fernande, the daughter of poor parents, is very much dissatisfied with her lot in life and wants to get out where she can have some pleasure. She is a great flirt and has several men on the string. When the doctor comes to the house she works her wiles on him to such an extent that he asks for her hand in marriage. She accepts him but in her mind has no intention of giving up her other sweethearts. After her marriage she continues to meet them with the result that he discovers her unfaithfulness. He looks in her private correspondence and finds proof that she has been utterly unfaithful. When he taxes her with it she does not deny it but tells him that she intends to continue the same way. He in a rage strikes her. Driven nearly insane he wanders round all night and on his return finds that she has gone away. He loses all trace of her and goes to a foreign country to try to forget her. In the meantime she goes to Paris, where she sets up a little court of her own. Her admirers are many, among them Count Adolphe. He is so much taken with her charms that he decides to marry her. He writes to his grandfather telling him of his decision. Then he goes to Fernande with his proposal. She is rather taken aback as she had not intended to let him get that far in the toils. To avoid his attentions she goes to a small town in Brittany where she finds life too slow for her temperament. Being one of that kind of women who must have an admirer she flirts with a young fisherman. The fisherman, Pierre, is however built of different stuff than the men she has met in Paris and will not be satisfied to merely admire her from a distance. In spite of his rough manners, or probably because of them and his immense size, he exerts a charm on Fernande that makes her lose her cool, calculating manner. She allows him to come to her home. Pierre's mother has suspected for some time that all is not well with him and follows to learn what is the cause of his desertion of his own wife. Through the good offices of an old friend she learns that Pierre is spending nearly all of his time at the home of Fernande. Going to the doctor she asks him to do what he can to get Pierre out of the clutches of the woman who is wrecking both their lives. The doctor goes to the villa and on entering finds that not only has Fernande been playing with Pierre, but that she has at the house Count Adolphe, who has followed her from Paris. He also is astounded to find the woman in the case is Fernande, his own wife who had left his house the night he had struck her. He had no idea that he had located in the same town that she had chosen for her home. He upbraids her but is met with a penitent air and an exhibition of those same charms that made him love her so long before. He falls a victim a second time only to be laughed at and told that he is an old fool. Enraged he tells Pierre and the count who she really is. Pierre, overcome, falls in a faint striking his head and badly hurting himself. He is taken home and orders are given that he is to be kept absolutely quiet if he is to recover. Fernande decides to see him and goes to his home. She is told that it is impossible to see him, but insists. Then Pierre's mother takes a hand and the Siren meets one on whom she cannot work her charms. She is forced to admit defeat and a career of wanton despoliation ends.
- Drama involving bull fighter Gayetano and his enamored girl friend Juanita. After a dramatic abduction by jealous rival Manuel, her following faithlessness to Gayetano climaxes with Manuel's death in the arena and her own demise by the hand of Gaeytano.
- An Indian rajah determines to give the prince, his son, the advantages of an American university education, and brings him to the United States. Arriving at the university town they stop at the hotel there and are immediately besieged by the reporters who scent a good story, especially as it is reported that the rajah brings with him one of the famous jewels of the world, a magnificent diamond. Among the reporters is a young man on his first assignment who at once makes friends with the prince. In the meantime Nell Reardon, the "badger queen," is approached by Moreland, a "gentleman" crook, and threatened with exposure if she does not aid him to obtain possession of the rajah's jewel. She promises her aid and as a first step registers at the same hotel as the rajah, under the alias of the "Countess Mirska." Billy is assigned to interview her. The prince is struck with the woman's charms and persuades Billy to introduce him. At the instigation of Moreland. the woman persuades the prince to show her the diamond. Fearing his father's displeasure the young man secretly takes the jewel from the strong box. Seeing their opportunity, Moreland and Harley, his "pal," invite the prince to have some refreshments at the hotel café and the prince asks to have Billy included in the party. The jewel is passed around and admired. By accident, and while no one is looking, it falls from the case and lodges in the cuff of the reporter's trousers. Later, while in his own room, he discovers it and immediately runs back to the hotel to return it to the prince. Unable to find him, he decides to stay at the hotel for the night, takes a room and throws himself upon the bed, fully clothed. The anxiety of his responsibility preys upon his mind so that his slumbers are disturbed and his rest is a nightmare. In the meantime the prince discovers the loss, tells the crooks of it and they search the café together. The crooks secretly believe each other guilty, but when they tax one another with the crime they mutually prove their innocence. Without saying anything to each other they visit the reporter's home and search his room. Finding one another in the room their mutual distrust deepens. Billy's distraught mind causes him to talk in his sleep and while doing so he drops the jewel over the hotel balcony. It falls at the feet of the prince, but he does not enjoy its possession long. Harley, who has been spying upon him, knocks him out and escapes with the diamond. The further vicissitudes of the diamond are intensely interesting and lead up to the superb climax where the prince recovers it and sees the baffled crook, Moreland, go over the bridge into the ravine below in the trolley car in which he has tried to escape.
- While traveling incognito through his kingdom, Prince Ludwig of Saxe-Tholberg becomes infatuated with Katrina, the daughter of innkeeper Hermann Ardelheim, but their idyll is interrupted by the arrival of a courier bearing the news that Austrania has threatened war. Katrina is heartbroken to discover the identity of her sweetheart whom she can never hope to marry. After Ludwig's departure, Katrina overhears the plotting of two spies and with the help of her brother Raolf, she confronts them. In the ensuing struggle, Katrina kills one of them, who turns out to be the Austranian ambassador. Although Katrina admits her crime, Marshal von Trump plans to execute Raolf in order to pacify the Austranians. Katrina appeals to Ludwig, who pardons Raolf over the advice of his counselors causing Austrania to declare war. A crucial battle is fought near the Ardelheim inn, during which Katrina becomes a heroine by signaling the advance of Ludwig's troops. She is fatally wounded by the Austranians and is then brought to the inn where she dies with Ludwig at her side. He then eulogizes both Katrina and Raolf, who has also died in battle.
- Jean Valjean, guilty of a minor theft of food, is pursued and hounded for years by a relentless lawman, Javert.
- The Colonel makes several new acquaintances among the wild animals of Africa. Seeing a huge boulder of strange geological formation, our friend attempts to remove a piece for closer inspection. His attempt is unfortunate, as the boulder proves to be an elephant of short temper. All sorts of funny things happen. The Colonel is the ball in an active game of tennis between the elephant and a mountain goat, but as usual he comes out all right.
- In a small Dutch village, two children, Anna, the miller's daughter and Johannes, the shepherd are close friends. When Anna's father dies, her mother sends her to live with her aunt in Brussels. Theren the manager of a theatre who had seen her dancing at the village party, accepts to train her as a ballerina. Johannes tries to follow her but his mother forces to go back to the village. The years pass and Anna has become a famous ballerina. When Johannes comes to visit her, she refuses to see him. She falls in love with an aeronaut who takes her on his balloon for a flight. The balloon is caught in a storm and falls to the ground. Anna survives the crash but she had become blind. She returns to the village to live with her mother. There she finds Johannes who has never stopped loving her.
- Of course the Colonel's up to date, as well as snuff, but his trip down the wonderful River of Doubt tested him as he never was tested or bested before. With much care he starts down the Doubtful Stream in a novel boat of his own construction, and gets wrecked in the rapids on a desolate island. A man-eating cannibal tries to get him out of his fortress and fails. Then a man-and-cannibal-eating lion tries to make a beach sandwich out of them both, and gives up in despair. But the poor Colonel catches the Doubting fever and is carried to the tin-can camp of the cannibals, where instead of being cooked he cooks the cook and frightens the gutta percha king into grotesque cannibal fits, gets crowned king, and then escapes. But fate never lets up on the ingenious old Colonel for long, and before he finishes his milk and honey explorations he makes a hero of himself in a number of side-splitting escapades, which serve to keep the spectator in one continual round of convulsive laughter.
- Deciding to retire from business, Allen Bancroft's father plans to turn over the business to his son. Flattering as are the prospects, Allan is worried, for he has been leading a fast life and is being hounded by a money lender for repayment of a loan. To get the money he forges a note on his father for 2,000 pounds in the name of his chum Chester Livingstone. The note, having been discounted at a bank, comes to the elder Bancroft. He protests it is a forgery and, as the evidence points to Chester, he is arrested and brought to trial. Allan is seized with brain fever and unable to testify. The innocent man is convicted and sent to the Australian penal colony for five years. Allan, seeking his health, visits Australia and becomes acquainted with Helen Gerard, daughter of the governor of the colony. While out driving her horse runs away and Helen is rescued, unconscious, by Chester, who is working upon the road. As the gallant rescuer is taken away, Allan, who comes up shortly afterwards, is able to claim credit for the rescue. Having made a good impression, he succeeds in winning the girl's hand. Once again Chester rescues the girl from danger when some convicts attempt to rob her house. As a reward he is given a ticket of leave. Allan has been recalled to London by business troubles. Being notified of a shipment of gold dust, he sees an opportunity to recoup his losses. He bribed Morson, the mate of the vessel on which the gold is to be shipped, to substitute the gold with fake cases and then scuttle the ship to get the heavy insurance. Morson agrees. Helen plans to go to England and by chance selects the doomed ship for her passage. Chester, learning of her departure, decides to break his ticket of leave and sail by the same boat. By accident he learns of Morson's nefarious project and tries to prevent it, but is too late. The vessel goes down. Chester is able to save Helen and get her to an uninhabited island. Here alone in their solitude he guards her with his solicitude and wins her love. At last they are rescued, Allan's guilt disclosed and justice righted.
- Theodore Reibeth, a medical student, is introduced to Mlle. Aut Nissen in a moving picture studio where she is taking one of the leading roles. He is attracted to her by her unusual beauty and charm. Circumstances later make it possible for him to see her frequently at her home, and he falls in love with her. Mlle. Nissen is very fond of animals and has in her apartments a private collection of lions which she shows to him. Reibeth's graduation is at hand when he receives a letter from his brother telling him that through unfortunate investments their fortune has been lost. In this predicament Mlle. Nissen comes to his aid and lends him enough money to finish his studies, which he accepts and graduates with high honors. Later at a reception Reibeth sees Mlle. Nissen flirting with another man. He protests very strongly and the controversy causes a rupture which separates them. Years pass and he almost forgets the celebrated actress. His wedding announcement in one of the papers, however, comes to the attention of Mlle. Nissen who asks him to call. He does so and the old love returns. His faith in his former love is still so great that he allows himself to be blindfolded by her and led into one of the lower portions of the house. When he tears the blindfold from his eyes he discovers he is in the den of lions. With death in a terrible form almost upon him he manages to escape. Mlle. Nissen seeing him free makes her own life a penance for the tragic deed she had planned.
- Nelly's mother is a suffragette and persuades her daughter to join the good cause. Placing a bomb under Lord William's chair love develops between the two.
- A film about family secrets...and deathbed confessions.
- Our own Max attends a boxing bout and comes home very enthusiastic about the sport. On his way home he purchases a punching bag and attaching it to the chandelier proceeds to break up housekeeping. However, he finally becomes proficient and one fine night when Max has looked too long upon the wine when it was red, he challenges his friend to a pugilistic encounter. His friend accepts and there in the restaurant they put on the gloves and for about 20 rounds belabor each other unmercifully. Great comedy stuff is introduced because the two men both wear roller skates during the entire stunt.
- Here is shown a land of high mountain and fertile valley, sprinkled with the ruins of marvelous old time temples of strange but fascinating architecture. Few of us can travel to such far away lands but surely here is the next best thing to visiting Gingi in person. A scenic of pronounced educational value.
- In this offering the Colonel goes through some more of the startling experiences which have made him famous. Being left without a cook he captures a female chimpanzee which proves to be a very excellent substitute for the dark-hued cannibal lady who previously had presided over his kitchen. Miss Chimpanzee not only is an excellent cook but a talented musician as well. Unfortunately for the Colonel a gorilla comes a wooing her from the forest and the Colonel gets into an altercation with him. The gorilla is a fine fighter but the Colonel is a real white hope and puts his antagonist down and out for the count.
- The revenue men in New York are after the smugglers of opium and find that a certain Chinaman is in the habit of receiving a supply of the drug at stated periods. They follow him in the hope they will be led to the headquarters of the international band, who they feel sure are back of the traffic. The Chinaman fails to pay on time for the last supply he has received, and in turn the New York distributor is unable to send the money to the headquarters of the gang. This brings the chief to New York to investigate. While there he visits his broker, John Maxwell. He intends his visit to be secret, but is seen by one of the stenographers. This incenses him and angry words pass. In the meantime the Chinaman comes to the office and pays his bill. As the clerk is making out the receipt the detectives raid the place and find the dead body of the broker. All suspicion points to the clerk, who is accused of the murder of his employer. He is taken away by one of the detectives, but makes his escape. He goes to the North Country, makes application to join the Boundary Riders, and after a probation is accepted as an agent of law and order. On one of his patrols he finds a note that gives him a clue to the headquarters of the opium smugglers. The detective from the New York office of the Revenue Service comes to the camp of the riders to continue his investigations. There he recognizes the clerk. The clerk employs a clever woman investigator, who in guise of a Chinaman gets employment as a cook at the smugglers' headquarters. With the information she secures, he leads the revenue men to the headquarters of the gang. The raid is successful, but as all are congratulating the new member on his success the detective steps up and arrests him on the charge of murdering his employer. The investigator, however, has done her work well and produces a coat belonging to the head smuggler from which are torn two pieces which exactly match two pieces of cloth found in the hand of the dead man. This exonerates the clerk and puts added power in the hands of the government men.
- Max discovers that in the same apartment house with him lives a most charming woman doctor. To meet her he fakes a sickness and calls upon her for professional advice. She thumps him, puts her little ear down to his chest, diagnoses his case and prescribes for him. Max departs so full of happiness that he finds difficulty in walking as a sober man should. The days pass and, winning the lady's love, Max becomes married to her. On the wedding night just as they have reached the seclusion of their own room and Max has started to pour out his rapture into her willing ear, the servant hammers at their door. They find that the bride is called out upon a case, so in wedding gown and orange blossoms she leaves the despondent Max to await her return. The time passes and finally she returns, but only for a moment. The servant raps at the door again, and again she must go out to see a patient. The unhappy bridegroom protests in vain. He is sleeping uneasily in his chair when she finally comes back. As they are embracing, the servant raps at the door again, announcing another call for the doctor. The now infuriated Max rushes upon the disturber of his happiness, throws him out of the room and locks the door. A year later the happy husband, bearing a baby in his arms, wanders into the reception room of his wife's office. He finds it filled with waiting patients, all men. He steps into the office and sees the wife of his bosom, with her head at a man's chest listening to his heart. Filled with rage he deposits the baby in the arms of the man nearest him and proceeds to drive every patient out of the house. Thus he is convinced that from henceforth his wife must cease to be an "M.D." and become more of a wife and mother.
- Mr. Effington and his daughters Maud and Edith hear Miss Destinn at the opera. Edith expresses a wish to meet Miss Destinn, so her father invites Miss Destinn to the birthday party to be given for Edith. Maud is very fond of animals. A friend sends her some lion cubs which she trains to do tricks. She also has several full-grown lions in her private menagerie. Edith is very fond of music and loves her young teacher, Jack Harris. Her father objects to her attachment, and drives him from the house. Atwood, a business friend of Mr. Effington, asks for Edith's hand in marriage. At the birthday party he proposes to her, but is refused. At the party Maud is showing how tame her lions are, and on a dare Miss Destinn, who has accepted the invitation to be present, enters the cage with her and, with one of the lions lying on the piano, within a few inches of her, sings parts of Mignon, Atwood chagrined at Edith's refusal of his hand refuses to assist Mr. Effington in his business, with the result that the business fails. Mr. Effington does not survive the shock and the two girls, brought up in luxury, are forced to go out into the world to make a living. They consult Miss Destinn as to what they should do and receive her assurance that she will help them as best she can. They decide to use Maud's lions and advertise for a young man to play a part in a moving picture drama. Jack Harris sees the advertisement and answers it. He and the girls are much surprised to meet again and he renews his suit for Edith's heart. Edith accepts him and the preparations are made for the wedding. Maud is heartbroken and confesses that she has loved Jack for a long time. She goes with the happy couple to get the marriage license, but cannot face the ordeal. Disappointed and dejected, she goes back to the house and dressing in her sister's wedding dress, enters the cage of the lions. The lions do not seem to recognize her and she loses control of them. When Jack and Edith return they are horrified to find that Maud has become indeed "The Lion's Bride."
- Madame Bartlett, a celebrated biologist, employs Vera Knight as her assistant at the suggestion of a friend and soon comes to love her for the many good qualities the girl possesses. Chilton, Mme. Bartlett's secretary, is hard up for money through steady and severe losses at gambling, and begins to falsify the account books in order to replenish his funds. In the meantime, his charm of manner has created a profound impression upon Vera's heart, and when he proposes marriage she accepts with a happy heart. Relying upon his honor and promises, Vera becomes a victim of abused confidence and soon finds herself in an embarrassing position. She asks for and obtains a leave of absence and retires to a farm in the country where her child is born. Chilton, in the meantime, continually postpones their marriage on various pretexts. While the secretary is talking to one of his creditors one day, Mme. Bartlett overhears the conversation which makes her suspicious. A little later in Chilton's absence she examines the ledgers and finds proof of the secretary's speculations. Shortly afterwards Vera comes down to the city to make one last plea to the man who abused her trust in him. While she is beseeching him to keep his promise and marry her, Mme. Bartlett enters the room, confronts the secretary with his double guilt and tells him he must marry the girl or go to jail. Frantic with the fear of public exposure, Chilton that night enters the Bartlett library, and, finding the ledgers, tears the incriminating pages from the books. He also seizes the opportunity of taking whatever valuables he finds. While he is engaged in doing this, he is overheard by Mme. Bartlett, who enters and catches him. A struggle follows in which the woman is shot and killed. The commotion is heard by Vera who rushes in just as Chilton has escaped through the window. While she is bending over the body of her friend the servants come in and accuse her of the crime. She is arrested, tried and found guilty on circumstantial evidence, and receives a life sentence. While the years of her life in jail roll away her infant son. Adopted by the farmer and his wife, grows up to manhood in ignorance of his real parentage. By good conduct Vera becomes a "trusty" and, as such, enjoys the confidence of the prison officials. By a strange accident she uncovers a plot among the convicts to overpower their guards and escape. By means of her warning the revolt is nipped in the bud. For this Vera is rewarded with a pardon and freedom. Twenty years have now elapsed and the eager mother longs to see again her boy. Going back to the farmhouse where she left him, without disclosing her identity, she learns that her son has become a successful business man and is engaged to the daughter of Senator Bristow. Determined not to cast a shadow upon the young man's happiness, Vera leaves the words unsaid that a mother's heart prompts her to speak. She accepts a position in the Secret Service and soon becomes of value to the organization. She is soon assigned to a case wherein a certain Baron Metzger is reported to be attempting to steal plans of certain fortifications of the United States Government. While running down the clues she finds that her own son is strangely implicated in some way with Metzger. Her astonishment is increased when she recognizes in the Baron the Paul Chilton who betrayed her. She does not know that Metzger has persuaded the young man to gamble and that her son has lost beyond his means. To further her investigations, Vera has Senator Bristow make her his secretary. Metzger gets Walter so completely in his power that he is able to persuade the young man to aid him in securing the much-desired papers. Walter invites his prospective father-in-law who ride with him in an auto driven by Metzger disguise. By means of a drugged cigar the Senator becomes unconscious. In tardy revulsion at his complicity in the unworthy act, Walter refuses to steal the papers. Metzger does so instead. The Senator recovers consciousness and a struggle follows which ends in him being hurled dying from the car to the road. How Walter becomes suspected of the crime but through his mother escapes the implication; how Metzger is pursued until finally the runaway locomotive in which he is attempting to escape leaves the track and carries him to his death end a most absorbing drama.
- Lieutenant (Navy) René Stroffer has developed an amorous passion for Gaby des Roses, a dancer loved and adored by the crowd. Gaby is flattered by the love of the young man and does not remain insensitive to him. As for Lucille, René's fiancée now neglected by him, she feels forsaken and miserable. After signing for an American tour, Gaby chooses to travel on the transatlantic liner Jupiter because René is an officer on board. But the ship is commanded by Captain Stroffer, René's father, who strongly disapproves of his son's affair with Gaby... During the crossing, one evening at dinner time, a fire starts in the hold and soon spreads and becomes menacing. Captain Stroffer wants at all costs to prevent panic among the passengers. René has an inspiration: he asks Gaby to dance for them until danger is no longer any danger...
- The Archduke Rodolphe d'Illyrie is secretly united to Countess Sarah Mac Gregor and they have a daughter together. The young woman learns that her father-in-law is potting to have the marriage annulled so she writes her brother to ask him to get rid of the old man. When her letter is intercepted, she leaves her child in the care of farmers near Paris and escapes to America. The Archduke finds the whereabouts of his daughter but he finds the house has been destroyed by a criminal fire and figures that she died. He sets out to find his daughter's murderers and meets the evil Schoolmaster and his friend la Chouette. They actually hide the child, that they call Fleur de Marie, and force her to beg for their profit.
- In the Fifteenth Century, France was in the throes of a warfare in which the French, aided by the Scotch, were pitted against the English, who were assisted by the Burgundians. In October, 1428, the English began the siege of Orleans. This siege was intermittently broken by the French, who occasionally sallied forth to attack the enemy. In February, 1429, however, the siege was tightened and remained so until the arrival of Joan of Arc at the end of April. Up to that time the inhabitants of Orleans suffered many privations. Joan of Arc was born about January 5, 1412, in the village of Domremy, on the banks of the Meuse. When she was about thirteen years of age, she received a spiritual command to set forth to save France. For five years she heard these commands and finally determined to obey them. She persuaded her uncle to conduct her to Captain Robert de Baudricourt at Vaucouleurs, to whom she explained her mission. At first he had no faith in her, but was subsequently convinced and sent her to Charles VII at Chinon. When her arrival was announced, the dauphin tested her wonderful powers by changing places with one of his courtiers, but Joan was not deceived. She promised him that she would lead him to Rheims to be crowned King of France. After some delay at Chinon, Joan set out at the head of an army to relieve Orleans, arriving there on April 20, 1420. She sent a letter to the English besiegers commanding them to raise the siege of Orleans, but she received only defiance in return. A desperate battle followed, which ended in a brilliant victory for the French. But their task was not completed, and on the 7th of May the French attacked the stronghold of the English at Les Tourelles, which was directly across the river from Orleans. The battle was a furious one, at which the Maid was wounded by an arrow which passed through her armor. This, however, did not deter her, and she pressed the enemy still harder until the battle ended in another triumph for the French. After her victorious campaign, Joan of Arc successfully conducted Charles VII to the city of Rheims, where he was crowned King of France on July 17, 1429. A long campaign followed, which extended to May, 1430, when Joan led an attack against the Duke of Burgundy at Compiegne. On May 24 while making a sortie, the Raid was surrounded and taken prisoner by the Burgundians. She was taken to Rouen and placed in prison. After a trial which lasted for several days, she was condemned to die as a heretic. On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was taken to the Old Market in the city of Rouen and burned to death. Thus ended the tragic career of the Maid of Orleans.
- Zamirsky, a gentleman of Cracow, Austrian Poland, wastes his patrimony and being in urgent need of funds goes to the money lender, Isaak Lewi, to whom he has had recourse in the past. Entering the money lender's apartment, he sees for the first time Rebecca, Isaak's daughter, and she makes a deep impression on him. Isaak advances to him the money asked for and the young man goes his way, first, however, having made an appointment with Rebecca to meet him next day. The two meet, and the love which the Gentile has excited in the fair Jewess takes complete mastery of her. Her little sister, worried by Rebecca's prolonged absence from the house, suspects the truth and begs her to cease her folly at once and for all. The Sabbath night of the Jews comes, and while at their orthodox dinner Zamirsky enters, breaking in on the ceremony, and pleads with Isaak for more money. The money lender refuses to do any business on the Sabbath and Zamirsky leaves the house disappointed in his wishes. Shortly afterward the Rabbi calls. He tells Rebecca that he has heard rumors of her conduct with the Gentile and warns her to stop before it is too late. Rebecca takes from her father's safe her dowry and hurries with it to the man she loves. He takes it and then persuades her to elope with him. Isaak, bowed with grief at his daughter's waywardness, seeks solace in dispensing charity to the poor of his race. On the Day of Atonement while in the Synagogue, Isaak, utterly beside himself with his sorrows, blasphemes Jehovah and is carried from the edifice overcome. Later, realizing the enormity of his blasphemy, he performs penance by doubling his charities. In the meantime Zamirsky has returned to his evil ways and with gambling and dissipation becomes more and more estranged from the girl who sacrificed her all for him. Rebecca is broken-hearted at Zamirsky's conduct and goes back to her old home. Aided by the supplications of her sister, she begs her father for forgiveness and shelter. The unbending old man, however, spurns her and sees the daughter, who was once the light of his life, die before him of a broken heart. Over the body of the unfortunate girl, with faltering voice, he pronounces the sacred words prescribed by his religion.
- Three charming sisters vow to one another eternal adherence to the blessing. of single life. Augusta, ring-leader of the three, is particularly violent toward the sterner sex. She looks for a position, obtains several, but resigns them because of the unwelcome attentions forced upon her by various men. Meantime her sister Ethel gives music lessons in their apartment, while Clara, the third sister, a medical student, secures a position as assistant to young Doctor Squibb. In the same apartment house with the sisters lives a girl who is receiving attentions from Carl Waldeck, a young attorney. Her father has forbidden the young man to call upon her. Carl calls upon her one day and barely manages to escape the angry father. He seeks refuge in the apartment of the three sisters and entreats them to permit him to stay there to avoid his pursuer. To get rid of him they make a bridge of their ironing-board. On this he escapes through a window into another flat. The morning after Augusta receives her answer to a position in an office of two attorneys. She makes such a good impression upon Mr. Speck, one of the attorneys, that she secures a position. Here she undergoes the same annoyances that she has received before, which only ends when she knocks the office manager down. This causes him the loss of his position. She is now promoted to his position and requests that her former position be given to her sister, Ethel. Mr. Speck consents. Ethel makes a hit with the office clerk. Clarence Hallroom, a confirmed bachelor. He and Ethel make eyes at one another and are intercepted by Augusta, who asserts her authority and puts a stop to the lovemaking. One day Carl returns from his vacation to his work, and is recognized as the ironing-board tourist. The beauty of Augusta has made a profound impression on him but in seeking to obtain from her a corresponding feeling he receives a rebuff. He decides to teach her a lesson. He arouses her jealousy by a flirtation with Ethel. Augusta resigns her position and leaves and compels poor Ethel to leave with her. Clarence cannot forget her and seeks an excuse to call upon her. Freed from the grim censorship of Augusta, they shortly come to an understanding. A little later Augusta, now returning to her home, receives a call from Waldeck. As she will not admit him by the door, he enters the apartment through the window by means of the ironing-board. His eloquence sweeps away the last vestiges of her old-time man-hate, and she also becomes engaged. That very same day the charming Clara joins the ranks of the brides-to-be becoming engaged to Dr. Squibb.
- Wealthy Farmer Rodel decides that his son, Julian, should enjoy the fruits of his labor and sends him to the city to be educated. Unfortunately the new environment has a bad effect on him and he falls under the influences of fast comrades. Being liberally supplied with funds by his doting parent, Julian indulges in every fancy. He meets a charming young girl, Helene, and lavishes every attention upon her, thereby cultivating in her a desire for expensive pastimes. The old man has confidence in Julian and when he receives a letter from his attorney advising him of Julian's extravagances, it makes no impression on him. Julian increases his pace but soon realizes that he must again draw on his indulgent father. Being in urgent need of funds, he motors to the farm. Entering the house, he sees a note from his father's attorney advising that Julian has frittered away all the available funds leaving the estate in a precarious condition. Stunned by the knowledge that he has caused his father's ruin, Julian returns to the city only to learn that Helene has deserted him. Searching through his papers, Julian picks up his life insurance policy which suggests a way for him to make reparation to his father. He joins an excursion which goes on an expedition to the nearby mountains. Reaching the summit, the party prepares for lunch. Julian, however, strays off and reaches the edge of a seemingly fathomless ravine. Believing that the insurance company will pay his father the amount of his policy, Julian decides to throw himself into the ravine and make it appear accidental. Leaving his gloves on the rocks nearby, thereby giving a clue to his tragic death, Julian casts himself into the depth below. But fate decrees that Julian should miraculously escape the terrible end he planned, and he lands bruised and bleeding on an abutting ledge. Getting painfully to his feet, he realizes that his suicidal attempt has failed and that he must now feign death in order to carry out his plans. He places his hat on the edge of the ledge and makes his way to the base off the mountain where he is taken in by a laborer who binds up his wounds. Julian decides to leave the country as soon as he recovers. Without inquiring as to the financial condition of his aged father, he goes to South America. Meanwhile a careful search is made for Julian by the other excursionists which of course proves futile. The sad news of his death is carried to his father, who has gone to the city to make inquiries for him. Broken in spirit, the old man returns to the farm. Pressed by his impatient creditors, Julian's father is forced to sell his home and once more sets out to build his fortune. But time has robbed him of his strength and after many vain attempts to secure work, he becomes a rag picker and frequents the city dumps. He is found by a party returning from a carnival, who take him protesting to their banquet table. There he is surprised to find the girl whom he blames for his son's downfall. She is stricken with remorse when she realizes the depth of the old man's poverty and determines to rectify her error. She takes the faltering farmer to her home and there tends him day after day, depending on her frugal salary to supply their wants. After several years Julian returns from the Transvaal, where he has amassed a fortune and goes to the farm to ask for his father's forgiveness. But sad is his homecoming when he learns of his parent's fate. Diligent searching through the large city, he finally locates the feeble old man and his faithful protector, Helene. With a heart full of forgiveness and gratitude for the safe return of his boy, the aged farmer folds his prodigal son to his breast. It is then that Julian recognizes the true worth of his former sweetheart, whom he vows will never again have cause to leave him.
- On a raid by the corsairs several slaves are captured, among them a very beautiful Greek girl, Medora. The Lieutenant who has been in charge of the expedition casts covetous eyes on Medora and desires her for his personal harem. She is afraid of the man and on arriving at the headquarters of the band appeals to the head of the corsairs for protection. He takes her for himself, and tells the Lieutenant to pick one of the other girls. The Lieutenant becomes very angry and attacks his chief. The chief gets the better of him and throws him out of the band. The Lieutenant, thirsting for revenge, goes to the Sultan and tells him of the plans of the band. The Sultan has been looking for an opportunity to break up the band for some time and gives the Lieutenant some soldiers to go to the home of the Corsairs and secure the beautiful slave. The expedition is successful and in the absence of the chief they carry off the slaves. The Lieutenant, however, does not say anything of the booty which is hidden in the cave as he intends to return alone some other time to secure it. When the chief Corsair returns he is told of the attack by his father who has seen the whole proceeding. The Corsair is aroused and plans a ruse to get Medora back. Medora has been taken to the Sultan who places her in his harem and makes her one of his favorites. The Corsairs dress up as women and go to the palace. The Chief poses as a slave dealer and gains admittance to the palace to show the Sultan his beautiful captives. When in the interior of the palace they cast aside their disguises and attack the harem guards. They are repulsed, however, and the chief is made a prisoner. On Medora's suggestion he is put in a cell to await torture. That evening the Lieutenant goes to the cave to secure the booty. He is successful in gaining admittance to the store place and proceeds to take the choice of the valuables. The same evening Medora plans to escape with the Corsair. She gains admittance to the prison and is successful in getting the Corsair out. They proceed to a boat and row away to the former hiding place of the band. When they arrive they discover the Lieutenant in the act of cleaning out the booty. Following him back to the cave the Corsair closes the secret door, locking the Lieutenant in so that he cannot escape. The Corsair and Medora then sail away, leaving the Lieutenant to his fate.
- Government sleuths, headed by Detective Craig, have succeeded in running down a gang of Metropolitan counterfeiters. Although their information as regards the location of the gang's hangout and its plans is complete, they are unable to produce evidence against the man circulating bad money. Suspicion rests, however, on James Dalton, a clever crook, who rarely visits the counterfeiters' room. Dalton gets rid of his bad money through unsuspected "fences." He has just succeeded in using Bob Brierly, a young prodigal from the west, who dropped his money on the great white way for this purpose. When the bartender who took the bad money discovers it he calls in the police. Dalton, as usual, escapes while Bob, innocent of the part he has played, is caught and convicted. Released from jail he meets Mae Edwards whom he had formerly befriended. She recommends him to her employer, a banker, and Brierly secures a responsible position. Thinking he has eluded the detectives, Dalton comes to the bank to look the ground over preparatory to a robbery which he is planning. He runs into Brierly and tries to make him an accomplice. Bob, who has married Mae Edwards and wishes to lead an honest life, relaxes. Dalton advises the banker that Bob is an ex-convict and Bob loses his position. Dalton's persistent efforts make it impossible for Bob to get work and he is forced to join the crook. Craig has been shadowing Dalton and knows that Bob is taking part in the proposed robbery against his will. Having made his plans beforehand Craig frustrates the robbery. Dalton alone gets away by going hand over hand across an electric cable between two skyscrapers. He is later caught in an exciting motor-boat chase. Craig then vindicates Bob and the banker gives him back his old position Bob goes home and tells Mae, and their cup of happiness is filled to overflowing.
- The Thenardiers and their small daughter, Eponine, and young son, Gavroche, are seen at their dingy country tavern. Here little Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, is seen performing drudgery and menial tasks. The Thenardiers are treating their own children kindly, but are cruel to Cosette. One day she is sent for water with a heavy pail. On the way she passes a toy store, and longingly admires a doll. On her way back she meets Jean Valjean, who asks her the way to the Thenardiers. Cosette leads him toward their place. On the way she looks longingly at the doll once more, and her action is observed by Valjean. He has learned by her talk that she is Fantine's child, whom he is seeking. Cosette runs ahead, and Valjean enters the tavern while Cosette is being scolded. He remonstrates with the Thenardiers, and goes out to the toy store and buys the doll for Cosette. Returning, he informs the Thenardiers that he has come to pay the child's board bill, and take her away. They gleefully accept the money and Valjean departs with the little girl. Thenardier, thinking he might have got more, follows him, but Valjean shows him the note that Fantine had written before she died, telling him to take care of the child. Valjean realizes a sum of money on securities, and decides to live in an obscure house in the poor quarter of Paris with little Cosette, away from the prying police. But the janitress of the house becomes suspicious of her new tenants and calls in the police after peeping and observing Valjean counting money, an unusual thing in that quarter of Paris. Javert by this time has been appointed to the detective force of Paris. He considers this case worthy of his personal inspection and goes to Valjean's lodgings and secrets himself in the garret above Valjean's room. Valjean takes alarm at Javert's boring through the ceiling. He leaves quickly, carrying Cosette, but is followed by Javert and his men. He is cornered in a blind alley, but makes his escape with a clothes line by the thrilling and dramatic feat of scaling an almost perpendicular wall. After a night of suspense he finds himself biding in the grounds of a convent. Here he meets the old gardener, Fauchelevent, whom he assisted from under the wagon and obtained for him his present position. The old man shows his gratitude by giving them asylum and getting Valjean a position as assistant gardener. The old man introduces him to the nuns as his brother, and thereafter Valjean is known as "Fauchelevent." Javert gives up the hope of capturing Valjean. Years after, Valjean still known as "Fauchelevent," is living in quiet ease with Cosette, now grown up, as his daughter. The Thenardiers have moved to Paris and are living in poverty, under an assumed name. In the next room to them dwells Marius, a student. Thenardier frequently appeals to him for money, and usually gets some. Eponine, Thenardiers daughter, also grown up, has fallen deeply in love with Marius, unbeknown to him. Marius walks and studies in the park, and there for the first time sees Cosette, sitting with her "father" Valjean. The two young people are attracted by each other at once. A little later Valjean is accosted by Eponine who is begging. She tells a pitiful story and Valjean and Cosette decide to go to her home and investigate the condition she has told concerning her family. Arriving there, Valjean leaves his coat and money, but neither he nor Cosette are recognized by any of the Thenardiers. As they leave the place, Marius is just returning home and he again comes face to face with Cosette, an incident which Valjean does not seem to like. Cosette accidentally drops a rose, Marius quickly picks it up and presses it to his lips. This action is observed by Eponine who becomes intensely jealous. Valjean has left his address with the Thenardiers in case they should need any further assistance. Marius demands of Eponine to give him the address, and this she does in a spirit of self-sacrifice. Marius starts at once to the house where Valjean and Cosette reside. He writes a note declaring his love, and puts it on a garden bench where Eponine has informed him Cosette lingers every evening. At this moment Cosette appears, reads the note and is surprised by Marius who has stepped behind the bushes at her approach. Valjean coming, suspects something, though Marius gets out of the way, and Cosette is taken to task by her foster father for the first time in his life. Marius has a wealthy grandfather who dotes on the lad provided his wishes are followed. The young man writes him of his love for Cosette and begs his sanction to an early marriage. The grandfather sends for Marius and tells him he cannot consent. .Marius repudiates him then and leaves in high anger. -- Moving Picture World synopsis
- The scene takes place in Paris in March 1793 during the Reign of Terror. The Knight of Maison-Rouge, posing as Citizen Morand, is organizing the escape of Queen Marie-Antoinette. He is assisted in his undertaking by Dixmer, a master tanner who passes himself off as an ardent revolutionary and his wife Geneviève, who also happens to be the Knight's sister. While on mission with her brother, she is saved from arrest thanks to the intervention of Lieutenant Maurice Lindey. Geneviève, who is married without love to Dixmer, falls for the young man, who requites her love. A tunnel is dug between a house rented by Dixmer and the Tower of the Temple but the various attempts to rescue the queen attempts fail. Marie-Antoinette risks the guillotine. Lindey finds himself involved in the plot.
- In the opening scene, Britannicus is seen wooing Junia, to whom he is betrothed. He is the rightful heir to the throne of Rome. The emperor having died, Nero, assisted by his scheming mother, is proclaimed emperor instead of Britannicus, who is informed by his friends that the throne has been usurped by his treacherous stepbrother. Britannicus, alarmed by these tidings, hastens to Rome to claim the throne, and is met by Nero, who cunningly offers to let the people decide. Nero is hailed by the people as their ruler to the disgust of Britannicus, who informs his betrothed of Nero's treachery, and enlists her influence to recover the throne. He entrusts this letter for delivery to a supposedly loyal friend named Narcissus, who, instead of delivering the message to Junia, hands it over to Nero. Narcissus returns to Britannicus, and makes him believe that Junia has spumed his love message and no longer cares for him. Britannicus, terrified by this second misfortune, can hardly believe his senses, and is for the moment crushed. So as to separate the lovers forever. Narcissus now counsels Nero to have Junia abducted, and the fair woman in the dark of night is made a prisoner by Roman soldiers, and carried to the emperor's palace, where Nero is waiting. He gloats over the lovely form cringing before him in deadly fear, and a violent passion is aroused in the tyrant. Nero, enraptured by the charms of this virgin, decides to make her empress and thereby remove her forever from the influence of Britannicus, his hated rival. He writes Junia to this effect, warning her not to show any further affections to Britannicus, whose life is threatened in that case. Britannicus, after the first shock, begins to hope again, and is seen entering Junia's home to satisfy himself of the true state of affairs. To his dismay, he finds his beloved gone and her attendants unable to inform him of her whereabouts. Immediately he sees the hand of Nero, on whom he calls to demand for information about the woman that is dearer to him than his life. Nero receives Britannicus, and makes him believe that he is his true friend by introducing him into the presence of Junia, who occupies an adjoining room. Britannicus bursts out in a passionate appeal to Junia, while Nero is seen crouching in the background observing the two. Junia has noticed Nero hiding behind a curtain, and therefore dares not confess her love to Britannicus. She treats him coldly, causing her unfortunate lover to rush in despair from the room. Nero, stepping out of his hiding place, again proposes to Junia, who spurns the tyrant, and in her extremity, whips out a dagger with which she threatens to end her life. Nero becomes frightened, desists and infuriated, leaves the room. We now see Nero shaking off the influence of his mother so as to better pursue his career of crime. His mother's armchair thus far was placed next to his throne. He orders the same removed as an outward sign of his future independence. His mother just then enters and a quarrel ensues between the two. She denounces her son before the people as a usurper to the throne, and leaves the palace vowing vengeance. Outside she comes upon Britannicus, and immediately conceives the idea of using her son's hated rival as an instrument in her revenge. She informs Britannicus by letter that Junia still loves him, and offers her assistance in his fight to recover the throne. Narcissus, the spy, is present when Britannicus receives this note. He manages to obtain possession of it, and hastens to Nero to inform him of the impending danger. Meanwhile, Agrippina has introduced Britannicus into the palace, and brought the lovers together. Nero suddenly enters, and beholding the situation. His anger knows no bounds. But before the strong will of his mother, he cowers and slinks from the room. He begins to realize that more desperate means must be employed to destroy his enemy. In such a moment, Narcissus suggests to him the use of poison, and Locusta, the official poisoner, is called in and consulted. She concocts a powerful poison which is tried upon a slave who quickly dies, convincing Nero that this is the quickest way to rid himself once and for all of his enemies. Nero addresses a letter to Britannicus, giving his consent to his marriage with Junia, and fixing a day for the wedding, which is to be celebrated in his palace. We see next the wedding procession and Nero plighting the troth between the lovers. The wedding feast follows, at which the court is sitting around the tables with Nero and his mother upon a raised platform in the center. Nero rises and drinks the health of the newly wedded couple. He bestows a signal honor upon Britannicus by sending him a cup of wine to reply to the emperor's toast. Britannicus rises, and unsuspectingly drinks from the faithful cup. He has hardly touched a few drops when he falls down in great agony. A general commotion begins, during which Nero leaves his table and comes rushing to Britannicus, who is writhing on the floor dying. Agrippina, in a moment sizing up the true situation, accuses her son of the crime amidst the consternation of the wedding party. Junia, seeing Britannicus about to die, has quietly seized the poisonous cup and drinks the rest of the contents. She falls to the floor over the prostrate form of Britannicus, and the two, in a last embrace, die amidst the pandemonium around them. Unable to be together in life, they are joined in death, never to be parted again.
- In one of the Roman colonies in North Africa lives with her father a beautiful young Christian girl, Nydia. A high priest of Jupiter, one of the principal Roman gods, sees her and desires to have her for one of the vestal virgins. He sends his attendants to seize her but is prevented by the passing of Caius, the son of the Roman governor. Caius is very much impressed by the beauty of Nydia and after leaving her safely at her home rides on to the court. The high priest, angry at being so easily thwarted, takes some of his attendants and goes to the home of Nydia to seize her. They are not successful although in the struggle Nydia's father is killed and their home is burned. Nydia escapes to the desert and hides in a cave. A shepherd passes and one of his sheep is carried off and eaten by a lion. The cave where Nydia hides is the lair of the lion and she is terrified as he comes in and stands by a rock near her and roars at her. The shepherd goes to the city to get help to kill the wild beast and lands at the palace of Caius just as a large company are celebrating the arrival of the young woman whom Caius is to marry. He leaves the feast and goes to help the shepherd. They find the cave, capture the lion and at the same time discover Nydia. Caius takes Nydia to his father's house and declares his intention of keeping her under his care. His father objects, she being a Christian. In spite of protests Caius places Nydia in a home, where he goes to visit her. On one of his visits he is followed by the high priest and his father. The high priest enters the room and accuses Nydia of seducing Caius. In a struggle that follows Caius kills the high priest. His father has Caius carried off by two attendants. He accuses Nydia of the crime. In spite of her protests she is condemned to be thrown to the lions. Caius' betrothed tells him of the event and he rushes to the lions' den to help Nydia. His betrothed, who has been instrumental in stirring up trouble, opens the door of the den to watch with satisfaction the end of her rival. Caius sees the door open and seizing Nydia, makes his escape. They manage to escape to the desert, where Caius adopts Christianity.
- Andre Delvaux, the son of a judge, has been wasting his time and money in riotous living. He is brought to his senses by the receipt of a letter from one of his creditors demanding an immediate settlement on pain of exposure. To secure the necessary $20,000 is impossible. A way opens when he is given the opportunity to meet the daughter of a rich banker. He goes to meet her with the intention of marrying her to recoup his losses. However, when he does meet her he really falls in love with her and she with him. He resolves to do what is right and throws over Clarice, an adventuress with whom he has been living and on whom he has spent most of his money. Fearing to lose her way of living she writes to the father of Andre and tells him that his son owes a large sum of money and that his intention of marrying the daughter of the banker is to square himself with the money lender. Andre's father writes to the banker and calls the engagement off. He then takes the matter up with his son and sends him away. Andre goes to Africa swearing that he will make a man of himself and return to prove to Irene that he is faithful. When he is gone, Clarice, the adventuress, gets her brother, who resembles Andre, to impersonate him. Santell writes to Irene in Andre's name and gets from her a key to the house, which he proceeds to rob. Irene discovers Santell as he is leaving, but in her excitement takes him for Andre. A letter dropped by Santell in his flight gives the police the clue to the robber. Thinking it is Andre the father is greatly tempted to give up the case. He, however, is true to his oath of office and orders the arrest of his son. Just as the trial is about to proceed and the father thinks he will have to sentence his son to prison a letter is received from Andre in Africa telling of his successful struggle to make a name for himself. The impersonator is shown up in his true light, and the father receives the congratulations of the court on his firm stand.
- The extraordinary intelligence of this particular police dog will "get the film over" with any audience to the accompaniment of roars of laughter. While the particular cop to whom he is attached is taking him, securely fastened by a leash, on his rounds the dog spies a suspicious character in the shape of a cat. At once there is a grand uproar and pursuit. The cat goes like a streak, and so does the dog, dragging with him the poor cop. Through a sewer pipe into a muddy pool, over the rocks, the strange procession dashes. After this unfortunate "faux pas," the dog wisely keeps at a distance from the cop. A little later, seeing a beggar seated on the sidewalk with a card saying, "help the blind," the dog sees his opportunity. Holding up the beggar's hat in his teeth, he "begs" the passersby for alms. The "fake" blind beggar sees the resulting harvest with joy. But vengeance is near. The cop approaches and confiscates the ill-gotten gains. There are other amusing experiences which the dog goes through. Mr. Bray certainly had a pleasing flight of fancy when he made these pictures.
- Gertie, a charming, lively young girl living in a little village, graduates from the high school, and her mother at once sends her to her Aunt Amelia, proprietress of a fashionable garment store in Leipzig, to be broken into the business. Arriving at Leipzig, she is at once put to work by her Aunt, who is a very capable business woman. Great as is the contrast between her present life in Leipzig as compared with that of her native village, she sighs for life in Berlin where, as her favorite line of fiction tells her, beautiful young girls can have the world at their feet. Not long after her debut in the garment store, enters Sigmund Phillippsohn, salesman for a wholesale garment house in Berlin. He is the friend of everyone in the shop and there ensues a flutter of excitement from Amelia down to the errand girls. He sees Gertie and she scores a hit upon his nice discernment. He invites her Aunt and her to dine with him that evening, and then wires his house that he has found a perfect thirty-six and asking if he will hire her. His house answers telling him to "send, her along." He broaches the subject to Gertie and finds her more than willing to accept. The next day she airily trips from the shop, giving her poor Aunt an unexpected and unwelcome farewell. Arriving at Mayer and Nathanson's cloak and suit emporium in Berlin, the green girl does not make an immediate hit with Mayer, but she is taken on. Moritz Abramowsky, however, sees the diamond in the rough and determines to get in her good graces. He invites her to supper with him and she gladly accepts. A sad awakening; the frugal Moritz takes her to a beanery of the type where the waiters yell, "draw one in the dark" and "ham and." While Moritz is foraging among the eatables of a neighboring table, the house salesman of Mayer and Nathanson enters in search of Gertie and carries her off to a real restaurant. Gertie's rise in the business is rapid. The princess of the royal family calls at the emporium to select a costume. The various models parade before her in all their refinery, but of them all it is Gertie who makes the hit. Through her skillful showing, the princess purchases liberally and leaves, stating that she desires Miss Gertie to always wait upon her in the future. The fame of her ability travels, and she is offered a position at double her present salary by a rival concern. Gertie decides to accept it, and so does not go down to business that day. It so happens that the princess requests Mayer to call at the palace that very day and bring Miss Gertie with him to show the new gowns. Alarmed by the model's absence, he accepts Moritz's advice and calls upon the absent girl in person. He persuades her to go with him to the palace. At the conclusion of a most successful call he determines to make the girl his for all time, proposes and is accepted.
- Napoleon's military star first shone at the siege of Toulon in 1793, where he commanded the artillery, a post which he filled with the greatest energy. For his valiant action at Toulon, he was rewarded with the rank of brigadier-general. In 1796 the campaign was vigorously pursued in Italy, until in November, the French were hotly contending against the Austrians at Arcola, where the latter succeeded in retaining possession of the bridge over the Alpone River. However, the French desperately attacked them on the 17th and successfully carried the position. On July 1, 1798, Napoleon arrived before Alexandria. The campaign in Egypt was a desperate one and much hardship and suffering was endured by the French army. Napoleon's enterprise, however, was again met by success and on the 18th of August, 1799, he set sail for the continent after the conquest of Egypt. In the beginning of 1800, Napoleon again pursued operations in Italy, which extended to June, when after successfully crossing the Alps by the St. Bernard Pass, the second Italian campaign was brought to an end. On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of the French at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. One year later he was desperately engaged in the famous battle of Austerlitz against the allied forces of Russia and Austria. Here was fought a great pitched battle which finally ended in a decided victory for the French. Thus the battle of Austerlitz brought the war of 1805 to a close. Napoleon's campaign in Russia in 1812 was weighted with great losses, both from his battles as well as from the terrible toll of the severe Russian climate. After the battle of Borodino, the French army entered Moscow, the Russian capital, where Napoleon had decided to make his winter headquarters. But the Russian patriots, rather than have Moscow fall into the hands of the invaders, burned the capital, causing the French to evacuate the city. Therefore, in October, 1812, the Grand Army began the retreat from Moscow, a retreat which proved so disastrous to the French. Harassed in flank and rear by the Cossacks, they left a track of dead and dying across the frozen plains of Russia. On the 5th of December, Napoleon left the army and started on the journey to Paris. Napoleon's campaign in France ended in April, 1814, when he was forced by the allied powers to abdicate the throne of France and retire to the island of Elba. The history of the origin of Napoleon's resolve to leave Elba is still to some extent wrapped in mystery. He returned to France on March 1, 1815, and at once commenced operations to restore the imperial throne. Several months later, on June 18th, he was engaged in the famous battle of Waterloo, which resulted in his overwhelming defeat by the allies under Wellington and Blucher. Thus was brought to a close the military career of Napoleon, who soon after was exiled to the island of St, Helena, where "the captive giant was handed over by the Earth to the guardianship of the Ocean." There he remained a prisoner till March 5, 1821, when his indomitable spirit surrendered to Death, the conqueror of all.
- George Notman is engaged to Marjorle Vincent, and the young people, though the marriage was arranged by their parents, are thoroughly devoted to one another. George has a friend, Warner, who beneath a polished exterior hides a deceitful and treacherous character. This is plainly shown when he attempts to make love to Marjorie, the fiancée of his friend. His advances are indignantly repulsed and the girl then learns to thoroughly distrust the man and to endeavor to oppose his influence with George. George's father makes his son a present of a large sum of money with which to purchase a splendid pearl necklace for Marjorie. Warner basely suggests that with this money it would be possible to make large sums gaming at the table and persuades him to venture it. The inevitable happens; the money is lost and George is confronted with the necessity of securing funds in some way to purchase his sweetheart her necklace. Warner suggests visiting a certain woman, known to the police as a "fence," who makes a practice of loaning money at usurious rates of interest. At her store they are shown a fine necklace which she is willing to sell and accept George's notes in payment. The necklace is bought and the notes given. Not long afterward at the wedding reception detectives call and ask for George's father. To him they exhibit his son's notes, which they have found in a raid upon the "fence." They ask to see Marjorie's necklace. At once they are able to identify it as one stolen from a jeweler not long before. The heartbroken father writes a check for the value of the necklace to save it from confiscation. Angered beyond all control at this proof of his son's folly, he upbraids him before the whole assembly, then falls in an apoplectic fit which not long after is the cause of his death. After his marriage George falls more and more under the sinister influence of Warner. The combined fortunes of his wife and himself are insufficient to sustain the drains made upon them by his gambling losses. Warner suggests an evil plan and again George assents to it. Finding a man who is a typical "sucker," they work an old confidence game upon him and persuade him that they can give him the names of the winning horses before a race. He loses, of course, and later by plying him with drink they are able to steal the rest of his money. The victim learns the name and address of George and calls upon his wife. He tells her of her husband's crime and threatens him with immediate arrest if the money is not returned at once. When George comes home and learns that his guilt has been found out, he attempts suicide. Moved by the misery of the unhappy wife the victim of the theft relents and for her sake promises to push the case no further. The years pass. Compelled by her poverty Marjorie has placed her little son in her uncle's care, since she is not able to give the boy a proper bringing up. George and David have taken a little country inn, where they prey upon the rural gamblers. Old beyond her time, Marjorie, still faithful to her marriage vows, does the work of a menial around the house. Her uncle, feeling that she should see her son again, gives him a large sum of money and sends him to her. How Warner and George, ignorant of the young man's identity, plan to rob him; how they are thwarted and David suffers the penalty for his many misdeeds, and how the father, sobered by his narrow escape from killing his own son, resolves to live a better life, end a most dramatic film.
- Talby is a celebrated tragedian. Among his most fervent admirers is Gaby Sombreuse. One day, Gaby meets her idol in the flesh and is... very disappointed. Talby, for his part, falls madly in love with the young woman while realizing the age gap is impassable. Six years later old age takes its toll: nobody wants Talby on the boards any more. To survive, the old thespian has no other choice but to become a clown in a small circus...
- The rebellion of 1832 is on. There is rioting and barricading in the streets. Marius in despair, and in the hope that a bullet will soon end his life, joins the mob and becomes a fighter in the ranks of the insurgents. Javert gets orders to investigate the extent of the insurrection. He assumes a disguise, and goes to a tavern, the headquarters of the rebellion, He is quickly recognized and seized. They search him and tie him to a wooden pillar. Documents on him reveal his identity, and the rioters condemn him to die if the barricade is taken. Martial law is proclaimed, and the people are ordered to disperse. They refuse, and a volley is fired. Eponine, in the mob, dies at the first fire. Marius thinking his death to be at hand, writes a note to Cosette, telling her where to find his body in case he is killed. Gavroche is sent with the note, but Valjean gets it at his home. He sees that this love affair is deeper than he bad supposed, and he goes to the scene of the rioting to find Marius. Gavroche is killed while trying to secure ammunition for the revolutionists in searching dead soldiers for cartridges. Fierce fighting follows and the rioters, realizing that they are losing ground, order the execution of Javert. Valjean interferes and tells them that Javert's life belongs to him. Taking Javert outside, Valjean frees his hands, fires a pistol in the air, and lets Javert go, thereby sparing his life. The military take the barricade by storm. Marius badly wounded, is picked up by Valjean, who disappears into a sewer opening and escapes with him underground. Javert, in the streets, comes upon Thenardier robbing the dead. In pursuit of this man, he comes upon Valjean emerging from another part of the sewer. Javert drops Thenardier and arrests Valjean. Valjean shows him the note of Marius to Cosette concerning the disposing of his body, and he begs permission to take Marius to the home of his grandfather before submitting to arrest. Javert consents, but accidentally drops upon the ground the order of arrest for Jean Valjean, which he has carried on his person, Thenardier pounces upon the order and keeps it for future blackmailing purposes. He also follows Valjean and Javert to the home of the grandfather of Marius. Javert observing the God-like character of Valjean, is overcome with remorse, and for the first time in his life departs from his path of duty and allows his prisoner to escape. He then writes his resignation to the police, and, as a public acknowledgment of his mortification and weakness, he ends his own life. The grandfather of Marius is deeply grateful for the boy's safe return. He sends for Valjean and asks the hand of Cosette for Marius. This Valjean grants, and transfers his property to Cosette. The lovers are married at the church, at which time Valjean shows the first signs of failing health. Thenardier thinks the time now ripe to commence blackmailing with the order of arrest. He negotiates with Marius, who buys it from him for a good sum. Marius goes to see Valjean to question him about the paper, but finds him low in health, and fondling Cosette's little dress of other days, the place lighted with the good priest's candlesticks. Marius hands him the order of arrest. Valjean feebly acknowledges it, and tells the story of his persecutions. Cosette arrives as Valjean is dreaming of the good priest who helped him to be a better man, and soon he expires peacefully in the arms of his two children. -- Moving Picture World synopsis
- In spite of the influences of his father, a minister of the Gospel, Lester Goodrich seeks the companionship of fast friends. He makes constant demands on his parents for money, which he squanders. One night he and his comrades repair to a café and Lester becomes helpless with drink. His parents wonder at his failure to return. His mother induces her husband to seek him and bring him home. Following a clue, Lester's father finds him at the café about to be ejected for not paying his score. Settling the bill, the father returns home with the erring boy and warns him to give up his tempestuous career. With his father's warning impressed on his mind, he falls into a heavy slumber, in which he has a vivid dream and sees what his life might become if he continues. Arising from his bed, he goes into his parent's room. Noting their absence, he takes their money and jewels and joins his friends. They go to a gambling resort, which is raided. Lester escapes and returns to his home. Next day, Sunday, his parents start for church. He promises to join them later. He watches until the collection is deposited in the chapel and steals it. His father and mother discover the robbery and find evidence points to their son. Lester, meeting a girlfriend, invites her out. He rows her to a lonely spot in the lake and attempts to embrace her. Endeavoring to evade him, she falls into the water and is drowned. The tragedy is seen by those on shore. One man pursues Lester on a motorcycle. In the struggle, Lester kills his antagonist. Cornered by the pursuers, he attempts to escape by swimming, but is caught by the police in a boat. He succeeds in escaping by a ruse, but is arrested at his home. He is brought to trial for murder, convicted and receives a long sentence. One day, while working with the convicts he and another escape after attempting to kill the guards. Lester returns home for funds to enable him to leave the country. He is heard by his father, who overcomes him after a struggle. Horrified to see the prisoner is his son, the minister decides to take the law in his own hands. Lifting the bound prisoner upon his shoulder, he carries him to the lake, the scene of Lester's crimes. There he compels him to kneel. Raising his hands to the Almighty, the minister asks for strength to fulfill his mission and prays for the soul of the boy. Dashing the tears from his eyes, the father casts his son into the lake. Simultaneously with the fall Lester awakes and finds himself on the floor. Bewildered by his dream, Lester hastens to his parents and tells them of his awful experience, promising he will lead a better life.
- A magnificent hand-colored production of an episode in the life of the notorious court beauty and favorite of Louis XV of France. Historically correct and admirably done by an excellent cast of French artists. This picture is one of the finest examples of the motion picture art.
- New York City, N.Y: United States Battleship "Florida," Admiral Fletcher's flagship, whose big guns helped capture Vera Cruz, reaches New York. Venice, Cal: Prize winners at Bayside Kennel Club Dog Show. Atlantic City, N.J: Army and Navy Medal of Honor Legion of the United States of America. New York Harbor, N.Y: George R. Meehan breaking record in the Tribune Marathon swim, from the Battery to Sandy Hook. Distance 22 miles. Time: 7 hours, 18 minutes. Sofia, Bulgaria: Anniversary of Saint Cyril celebrated in presence of the Royal Family of Bulgaria. Buc, France: Latest invention, consisting of a pneumatic chest protector and helmet, for protection of aviators, is given severe tests. Gravesend Bay, N.Y: International Sailing Canoe Race between United States and Canada, won by Leo Friede, American defender. Hudson River, N.Y: Miss Dorothy Bauer, 14-year-old girl, accomplishes marvelous feat of swimming from Nyack to Tarrytown. Time in water, four hours. Jersey City, N.J: Lightning bolt starts spectacular night fire, destroying a large cooperage plant. Lyons, France: Grand Prize Auto Race held under the auspices of the Automobile Club of France. Denver, Colo: Annual Convention and Parade of Benevolent Order of Elks.