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- Jack Hilton, naval lieutenant, has fallen in love with Adriana Duncan, a wild beast tamer, but his relatives refuse to sanction the marriage owing to the poverty and to the humiliating occupation of his fiancée. In despair, Milton appeals for the last time to his eccentric old uncle, Marquis Hilton, who threatens to alter his will in favor of another if he persists in his mad intention. A fortnight later, in spite of this determined opposition, the marriage is celebrated. Furious at this disobedience, the Marquis is in the act of disinheriting his nephew when his old complaint seizes him and he dies without having time to change his will. Jack is ordered out to conduct an expedition into the interior of India with a view to discovering the unknown sources of the "Sacred River" of Belopore. Sadly he takes leave of his young bride and sets out upon his journey. In the train he meets Thomas Trevalny, his old school friend, and on board the liner, a few minutes before the departure, he receives the news of his uncle's unexpected death and of his own inheritance. In great haste, Hilton entrusts the important documents to Trevalny, saying that he will send the power of attorney from Calcutta. Left alone, Trevalny determines to gain possession of his friend's valuable inheritance, and gains admittance into his house as gardener in order to intercept the letters from the East, and also Hilton's power of attorney, Trevalny succeeds in his villainous plan, and, while poor Adriana is still waiting for news of her husband, he becomes master of the fortune by means of the intercepted power of attorney. At last Jack Hilton and his expedition are bivouacking on the banks of the "Sacred River." The Rajah, however, an unrelenting foe of all Europeans, is informed of their intrusion, and sends his fanatic soldiers to attack the encampment. Overwhelmed by a superior force, the Europeans are almost all massacred, and Hilton himself is taken prisoner. The Rajah himself condemns the unfortunate man to be burned alive, but, at the entreaty of his favorite Fedorah, he imprisons him for life. Meanwhile Adriana has become poor once more, and believes her husband to be dead. A son is born, of whose existence the father knows not, and Adriana is compelled to devote herself once again to her old profession of wild beast tamer in a menagerie to provide food for her child. At Belopore, the Rajah observes Fedorah's nightly visits to the European's prison, and the unfortunate Jack Hilton is thrown into the Court of Lions. Fedorah, however, persuades the faithful Pipel to save her lover, and he flees from Belopore to his safety. Trevalny, who loves Mrs. Hilton, comes one day to force his will upon her, and is driven from the house by the unexpected arrival of one of her leopards. Furious at his failure, he buys the menagerie where Adriana is employed, and writes a letter to her, announcing his fixed intention, either to realize his desire or to drive her into the streets with her little son. Helpless, Adriana comes to appeal to his better feelings. That same evening, after two years' absence, Jack Hilton returns home, finds the threatening letter, and guesses the danger of his wife's position. Without losing a moment, he runs to Trevalny's mansion, and bursts into the drawing room where the scoundrel is trying to seduce his wife. With a terrible cry he hurls himself upon the traitor, but, at his wife's prayer, restrains his fury until the arrival of the police. So, after so many sufferings, Hilton and his wife embrace once more, while Trevalny awaits the punishment he well deserves.
- Emperor Maximian, having married his daughter, Fausta, to Constantine, renounced the purple and went into retirement, but the enforced idleness and his desire for power and action, induced him to again resume the imperial power. In the field near Lodi, where the oath of allegiance of the army has been received, Maximian begins his triumphant return, and we see him again amid the people crowding the streets, impatient to see him again. He enters the imperial court where Constance, a sister of Constantine, and Licinius, the young Caesar of Illyrium, and Fausta are waiting the arrival of their august relation. The love affair between Constance and Licinius is discovered by Fausta, who has instructions to prevent this alliance from being consummated, as Maximian himself has set his heart on winning Constance. As soon as he enters the palace, and the tumult of greetings cease, he goes into the ladies' room and, dismissing Fausta with a sign, is left alone with Constance, whom he tries to win through flattery, but she refuses him. She goes secretly to St. Maternus and listens to his inspiring words, receiving the right of Christian baptism from his hands. Fausta, having followed Constance, sees all and hastens to tell her father of her discovery. Maximian orders a banquet in the hope that the allurements of pleasure will break down the stubborn defense of Constance. Even this fails, for Constance does not even go near the banqueting room. Maximian then calls together the pagan priests; he annuls his decree, giving tolerance to Christianity. Thousands of confessors of Christ will fall. Constance alone, by giving herself up, will be able to appease the bloody sword of the persecutor. He forces the young neophyte, Constance, to be present at the gladiatorial games. A populace present at the games at the hecatomb of martyrs. The heart of the young Christian girl undergoes a terrible martyrdom, but the bravery of these martyrs gives the girl the firmness that only faith can produce. Maximian, again failing in his attempt to win Constance, tries again, and goes to the field of Lodi and, summoning the army, he orders incense to be thrown upon the pagan tripod. Here again Christian heroes give up their lives to their faith, their bodies are carried in chariots before the imperial seat, before the eyes of Fausta and Constance. Realizing that there is no peace in the court of Maximian for her, she, with her companions, mount their horses and rush to the Court of Constantine. Here exists no bacchanalian orgy, but the sweet calm of virtue. Constantine, amid the lowly, the oppressed and the poor, does his work of upright government. Constance tells her powerful brother all of the horrible plots in which she has been involved and the terrors she has seen. In the meantime, Maximian and Fausta plot the death of Constantine and send the corrupt centurian, Elvius Brutus, to execute the treasonable deed. Through a trick, this design is frustrated, but Brutus is led to believe that his work has been carried out and he tells Maximian, who comes before the gallis coharts, exclaiming: "Constantine is dead. I am your emperor!" "Constantine is living!" interrupts a powerful voice, and the austere monarch appears among a crowd of faithful followers. Maximian is put to death and Fausta, fearing the penalty for her part in the plot, rushes word to her brother, Maxentius, in Rome, who declared war on Constantine. Gathering his coharts together, Constantine crosses the snowy Alps and carries the war into Italy. As day is declining, Constantine, unable to rest, paces to and fro between the tents when, at last, his eyes catch sight of something dazzling in the direction of the sun. He sees a splendid cross in the blue heaven in all its glory, with the inscription: "In Hoc Signo Vincis," but the Emperor, not comprehending the meaning of this sign, was further instructed in the clear night where a vision of the Lord Himself appeared, telling him: "By this sign you will conquer," and directing him to engrave the Holy Cross on his shields. The army resumes its march toward Rome, exulting at the miracle. Meeting the army of Maxentius on the Banks of the Tiber, the battle wages fiercely for hours, but eventually, the followers of Maxentius are put to rout and retreat across the Tiber on bridges made of boats, which give way, carrying Maxentius and his men to their death. Having made his triumphal entry into Rome, the first thought of Constantine is to pay homage to the chief of Christianity, Pontifex St. Melchiades. He prostrates himself at his feet, together with the dutiful Constance and promises to give Christianity free liberty and, as a token of filial reverence, gives the magnificent palace of the Lateran, to be the mother church of all the churches of the world. We see Constantine in his triumphant dress in the same imperial hall where the last bloody persecution had begun. Licinius hastens to Milan to joint his beloved Constance, and has signed the decree giving full liberty to Christianity. He is flanked by a victorious host and looks at the people crowded and acclaiming while the herald reads the imperial messages, "We, Constantine and Licinius Augustus, being at Milan to make joint treaties concerning the welfare and security of our people amongst the things which we deem enhancing the prosperity of our subjects, we specially give importance to those that have reference to the homage due to the Divinity and thus we have given to the Christians and to all citizens of the Roman people the liberty to follow the form of faith which each one may severally prefer." The forum is deserted, the darkness of night prevails and Constantine is alone in his hall lighted up by the soft rays falling from a lamp; he holds in his hands a little tablet containing the decree and is meditating. A few lines contain the history of the world. He closes his eyes and before his mind appears in review the facts which led Christianity to victory after so many centuries of bloodshed. Footsteps awaken the Emperor. Constance and Licinius, with their arms interlocked, enter. Constantine sees and smiles. In the triumph of faith and justice, innocent love also has its victory.
- Herodias, wife of Philip of Iturea, gives her affections to her husband's brother, Herod. Their secret passion is discovered by John the Baptist. He denounces them, but, so great is his power in the land, that none dare silence him. Succumbing to the temptation of Herodias, Herod betrays his brother and casts him into the Prison of Bronze, where he is left to languish. Herodias now plots to rid herself of her husband, and she finally prevails upon a negro servant to go to the Prison of Bronze and strangle him. When Philip is dead, his brother Herod is proclaimed, 'midst great pomp, Tetrarch in his stead. For a time he rules wisely, but can never drive away the pangs of conscience that are his constant companions. Herodias next prevails upon Herod to seize and imprison John the Baptist, who is obtaining a strong hold over the people. Weakly Herod fulfills her wish, and the prophet is cast into the Prison of Bronze. St. John is beloved by Salome, the daughter of Herodias, but he spurns her affection. In vain does she visit him in the Prison of Bronze, and attempts to lure him into her power. Herod becomes possessed of an insurmountable desire to see Salome dance. This desire is discerned by the watchful Herodias and promptly frustrated. The populace begin to demand the release of John the Baptist, and fear possesses Herodias lest he should be liberated and again denounce her to the people. The visit to Herod of the Roman judges is an occasion for much feasting and merrymaking. It is at a feast given in honor of his guests that Herod requests Salome to dance. She refuses, but Herod maintains his entreaties, and finally says that he will give her anything she cares to ask for it she will dance. Salome is puzzled what to accept, but her mother creeps to her side, and, like the evil serpent, suggests that she shall ask for the head of John the Baptist. Spurned affection turns to hate of a like intensity, and Salome sees in this her chance to avenge the affront offered her by St. John. She asks tor his head. Herod regrets his rash promise, but his regrets are soon charmed away by the witchery of the dancer. When Salome has finished dancing the head is brought to her. The sight of this strikes terror to the heart of Herod, and he sees his guests shrinking from him in disgust. Too late, he seeks to repair the evil done by commanding his soldiers to seize Salome and put her to death.
- Drama about a young man blinded by love.
- It is the history of the German Revolution and the coalition of the powers of Europe which caused the first rout of Napoleon during the battle of Leipzig on October 10, 1813. Napoleon scoured the whole of Europe and, overwhelmed by his victories, followed the course of his destiny toward a tragic setting. The allied armies had been conquered many times over, but were still undaunted. The protectorate of Napoleon weighed like a yoke over the kingdoms of the Confederation of the Rhine, but the poets, philosophers, and thinkers of the whole of Germany were united in thought, that of relieving their Fatherland from the humiliation which the Emperor with his glory had imposed upon them. The German youth associated in the famous "League of Courage," the Tugendbund, disciplined their minds and their muscles at the sacred fire of an unquenchable thirst for independence. In the printing office of Stein in Nuremburg burns the sacred fire of German patriotism. The news of the defeat of Austerlitz and of the signing of the treaty of Presburgh which puts Bavaria into the hand of Napoleon, casts despair into the minds of all the students who assemble round the printer, John P. Palm. The latter exhorts them not to lose heart and reads to them a page of the fiery pamphlet he is printing and which bears as title, "The Deep Debasement of Germany." The youths become enthusiastic and offer themselves as volunteers to spread the work of Palm throughout Germany. But the pamphlet falls into the hands of Napoleon, who orders the arrest of Palm. By the aid of the students, Karl Worms and Chrysogonus, Palm succeeds in making his escape from Nuremburg and in taking refuge in a mill near the shores of the Pegnitz. This mill is at once transformed into a secret printing office from which are still hurled throughout all Germany proclamations of fire hidden in bags of flour. Such diffusions were specially in charge of two youths. Frederick Loewe and George, the brother of Riecke and Jane, two girls not yet twenty. Frederick loves Riecke. who reciprocates his love. But the grandeur of the work of redemption which is being prepared for the oppressed Fatherland, inspires so much enthusiasm that he decided to start, persuading George to do the same. While they are far off, Worms falls hopelessly in love with Riecke and betrays Frederick, who has placed blind confidence in him. One day, in a wood near the river, he abuses her, and from that day eternal remorse and grief tears his heart and the girl's. Meanwhile Frederick and George in their patriotic pilgrimage are one day provoked by some French officers. George is killed, but Frederick succeeds in making his escape and goes towards his native village, happy at the idea of seeing his Riecke again. At the mill they know already the news of his approaching arrival; Riecke trembles. Frederick arrives, accompanied by other students. Festivities are made at the mill, when all of a sudden they are startled by a cry of alarm. Some French soldiers break into the house and arrest Palm, dragging him away amid the cries and lamentations of all the bystanders. A boy named Jehbel, in order to save his old grandmother who is dying of starvation, tempted by the offered reward, reveals the hiding place of Palm who a few days after ended his noble life, shot by the soldiers of the garrison of Brunau. The campaigns of 1806 and 1807 are over. Frederick has returned to his cottage where his old mother has long been expecting him. He decides to marry sweet Riecke. The day fixed for the marriage has arrived. While all are merry, Karl Worms arrives unexpectedly. The poor Riecke. at seeing again that hated man feels as if in her heart a horrible wound were breaking out afresh. She feels incapable either of making a confession or of telling a lie, and she flees, leaving a short note for Frederick. It is the hour of the betrothal. Riecke , is to be found nowhere, but Frederick sees on the table among the flowers the short note, which tells him of her flight and that she can see him no more. Frederick like a man out of his mind calls her and looks for her, but to no purpose, and finally hears from Jane the sad truth. He looks for Worms to demand an explanation and to vindicate the wrong, but Worms also has fled. Can they have made their escape together? The thirst for revenge increases. He discovers the friend who has betrayed him at a meeting of patriots and he, the dumb statue of revenge, throws at the feet of Worms a sword whilst he, himself, sword in hand stands before him. One of them must die. But while the two adversaries are beginning to fight, a sweet vision stops them. The charming figure of a woman appears to them in a ray of light, the Queen herself. Those swords henceforth will never be raised again but against the enemies of their common country. Frederick has quenched his thirst for revenge in the holy name of his beloved Germany. We are at the days of the great trial, at that gigantic battle which history has called, "the battle of nations." On the funeral plain of Leipzig, the characters of our story are still found near each other. Jehbel, the boy who had betrayed Palm, is now a drummer-boy and washes out by his own blood the shame of his treason. Karl Worms purifies the atrocious remorse in his heart by falling in defense of his flag. Frederick also has fallen near Karl. Riecke wanders like a mad-stricken figure amid the corpses. She discovers the hated Worms and flees in terror, but when she catches sight of Frederick, who is dying, she rushes near him, bends over him and kisses him. "Who has conquered?" asks Frederick with his last breath. "Germany," replies Riecke. She holds his head in her lap, the head of the dearly beloved one who is no more. But the grief of that poor girl lost among the confused crowd of bleeding corpses rising like a sad and lofty symbol; it is the great sacrifice which all the tenderest and greatest of loves must undergo before the shrine of the Fatherland. Poor Riecke no longer cries. Far, far away on the horizon of fire, pass the remainder of the defeated army of Napoleon. And over Germany now dawns the ray of a long expected freedom.
- Two sculptors contend for the same woman, until one the two, mad with jealousy, murders the other and hides the corpse inside one of his sculptures.
- Two teenagers fall in love, but their feuding families and fate itself cause the relationship to end in tragedy.
- While Charles is making love to the actress, Evelyn, his old parents at home are fondly believing their only son is devoting himself diligently to his studies. Evelyn, enraptured by her friend's necklace, begs Charles to buy her one. That night he writes a letter to his parents asking for more money to devote to his studies. Charles' mother has saved up a little money of her own, and once more helps her son. With the money his mother sends him, Charles procures the much-coveted necklace, but owes the dealer a balance of some thousand francs. The balance of the money not forthcoming quickly, the jeweler threatens drastic measures. Evelyn has heard all, and decides to terminate her friendship with Charles. Desperate, he appeals to his father, but in vain. Gorsip, a notorious usurer, sees in Charles a new victim, and tells him it will be necessary for him to sign a draft in his father's name. Charles, frantic at the thought of losing Evelyn, yields to the usurer's subtle suggestion. At a mask ball Charles sees Evelyn again. Amidst the gaieties and smiles of Evelyn, Charles forgets the crime he has committed. Gorsip comes to collect the money on the forged draft. In the meantime Charles receives a letter from his heartbroken father, telling him about the forged draft, and that he had to sell the home of his ancestors in order to save the honor of the family. Charles then writes a letter to Evelyn, telling her that his love for her has caused him to commit this crime. His father is ruined, and he is going away to try to redeem his foolish mistakes. Charles' parents have left the home where they have spent many happy years. Evelyn becomes sanguine, and she determines to right the great wrong she has committed against Charles' parents. She plans to rent the house which once belonged to them, and which now belongs to Gorsip. The inhabitants of the village do not take kindly to the newcomer. Charles' father, homesick, takes advantage of the darkness to go to see the beloved home once more. The old man recognizes Evelyn as the one who has caused his son's downfall and curses her. By this time Evelyn notices that Gorsip has fallen in love with her and wishes to marry her. He will give her as a dowry a deed to the house in which she is now living. He signs his name to the document, but immediately becomes suspicious of the motives of Evelyn and tries to recover the paper, but Evelyn succeeds in hiding the precious document in one of the books in the library. Gorsip meditates his vengeance. He bribes the gardener to allow him to enter the house and search for the deed. Evelyn demands to know what he is doing in her house. During this period Charles has returned to his home, having succeeded in business, and begs his father to pardon him, telling him he has suffered greatly. Evelyn has made up her mind to take the deed to Charles' parents, and Gorsip, maddened by the thought that he is about to lose his precious document, uses his revolver. He wounds Evelyn, but she succeeds in running away and reaching the house in which Charles' parents now live. The would-be murderer is conducted to prison and Charles' parents are touched by Evelyn's act of bravery and redemption and forgive her.
- After a harsh childhood, orphan Jane Eyre is hired by Edward Rochester, the brooding lord of a mysterious manor house, to care for his young daughter.