Must-Watch List in the Vein of A Mother's Ordeal: Cult Guide

Dir: Will S. Davis

Pierre Rameau, the son of a poor gate-keeper, becomes the foremost physician and surgeon in Paris. Conchita, his wife who he loves above everything else in the world, dies leaving an infant daughter, Pamela. Rameau is inconsolable and keeps the room that Conchita died in inviolate, visiting it only on the anniversary of his wife's death. Twenty years later on one of these visits he discovers, among one of Conhita's letters, proof that she had been unfaithful to him and that Pamela, the girl he had raised from an infant to womanhood, was not his child. The shock drives him out of his mind, and he drives Pamela from his home, refusing to ever see her again. Dr. Talavanne, his best friend, informs him that Pamela is dying and only Rameau's skills as a physician can save her.

Dir: Will S. Davis

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Cloud perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: Will S. Davis

John Malvin Grey, a member of the New York Stock Exchange, pays court to Clara Fenton, who returns his affection. Miss Fenton, aspiring to extreme wealth and social distinction contrary to the dictates of her heart, accepts the proposal of marriage of Peter Vaughan, a millionaire of somewhat advanced years. Helen Barrington, possessing a secret attachment for Grey, finally becomes his wife, when he realizes that his affection for Miss Fenton can be of no avail. After her marriage to Vaughan, Clara, unable to subdue her deep love for Grey, at every opportune moment appears in his company, endeavoring to continue her love affair with him, despite the fact that she is now married. At a dinner she gives, Peter Vaughan is shocked to observe his wife's carrying-on and her persistent advances to Grey. At a climax, his attention being called to the affectionate attitude assumed by his wife toward Grey, his heart gives way, he collapses and expires. In widowhood, regardless of the fact that Grey now leads a happy married life as a beloved husband and father, she pursues her wiles and attention. Being repulsed by Grey, she conceives a plan of inveigling him with the aid of Ashton Cameron, in the purchase of Avalanche mining stock, and then to cause the market to drop, reducing Grey to all but ruin, coming to his assistance with her extreme wealth, raising the price of stock and restoring him to affluence. She engages in this plan, believing that thereby she will place Grey under everlasting obligations to her, and possibly serve her ends in having him abandon his wife, to assume relations with her. By various tricks and subterfuges, she arouses the suspicions and jealousy of Mrs. Grey, until the moment arrives, when, believing that her husband is carrying on a secret liaison with Mrs. Vaughan, she determines to divorce him. Grey's young sister Rose is in love with Philip Carlton, and throughout the entire play, reigns as the standby of Grey. Ashton Cameron, also in love with Rose, offers to assist Grey out of his difficulties on Avalanche stock, providing he uses his endeavors to procure Rose's consent to marry him. Grey refuses this assistance at the sacrifice of his sister's future happiness, and Cameron proceeds to carry out his agreement with Mrs. Vaughan to ruin Grey. Polly, a street waif who is injured in an accident by Grey's automobile, is adopted by him into the family as his charge. In the denouement at a gathering at the office of Shaw, Grey's family lawyer, Polly reveals that she has observed Grey repulse Mrs. Vaughan, and declare to her that he loves his wife and will have nothing to do with her. Mrs. Vaughn is confronted with the proof of her various intrigues and diabolical schemes to arouse Mrs. Grey's jealousy, and finally admits the true situation and her own despicable actions. Grey is reconciled to his wife, and Clara Vaughan is left to pursue her way in the world, rejected and alone.

Dir: Will S. Davis

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of The Avalanche perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Kate Clarke and her brother, Joe, are alone in the world. Kate learns of her brother's connection with a counterfeiter's gang only when the police invade their rooms to arrest Joe. After a desperate struggle, Joe escapes, but Kate is seriously injured by an accidental blow. She recovers, but the memory of her past is gone. Kate wanders away to the city and becomes a cabaret dancer. Richard Harris, a noted artist, has a vision of creating a "Madonna," but has been unable to secure a suitable model. While visiting the cabaret, he sees in Kate the model he seeks and she consents to pose for the painting. As the painting progresses, Harris' interest ripens into love, but this only amuses her. At length, bored by posing, she suddenly goes away. The painting is yet unfinished. Harris, heartbroken over his loss, pours out the whole story in a letter to his twin brother, Joseph, a minister. Meanwhile the train which Kate had taken is wrecked near the village where Harris' brother is both pastor and physician to his flock. Interested in Kate's peculiar case, he has removed her to his home. The shock has blotted out entirely the memory of the past few years of her life as a dancer, nor does she remember how she came to be aboard the train. She recalls only her life before her first injury. The artist meanwhile has made futile attempts to finish his "Madonna." Broken in health and despondent he sends for his brother. One day, in his delirium, seeing Kate before his eyes, he finishes the painting. The brother arrives too late, but recognizing Kate as the original of the "Madonna" he takes it back home and hangs it in the church. During the minister's absence, Jane Perkins, one of his parishioners who is jealous of his attentions to Kate, finds the letter which the artist has written to his brother. She reads it and learns the tragic story of the artist and the girl who posed for the picture, the "Madonna." Kate's brother, Joe, unrepentant, is still a counterfeiter and a member of a gang located near this village. Kate and Joe meet, but he begs her not to disclose his identity or whereabouts. Unfortunately, Jane sees the affectionate parting and straightway starts a scandal. A bazaar fete is in progress in the church rooms, and while some of the congregation are admiring the "Madonna," Jane discloses Kate's past, and thus for the first time the girl, who overhears it, cruelly learns the story of her lost few years. The church members turn against her, but the minister defends her. By impersonating one of the members of the church, Fagin, a detective, captures all of the gang except Joe, who takes refuge in the church. He is tracked there and accidentally upsets a small stove, setting fire to the church. Badly injured, Joe crawls to the place where his sister is now living. The minister rescues Kate. The "Madonna" is practically the only article which escapes the flames. Kate, returning home, finds Joe. His condition requiring medical attention, she summons the minister, who remains through the night with Joe. Pledged to keep Joe's presence a secret, the minister is unable to answer the elder's demand for explanations. Joe dies and the gossiping villagers soon learn the truth. The minister presents the "Madonna"' to a Metropolitan Art Gallery where the public flock to see it. Though they may not know it, they are looking at the perfect likeness of the minister's present wife and child.

Dir: Will S. Davis

Fernande marries a man and schemes to get his wealth when his expected death occurs. But he dies before he can change his will. She next tries to kill the son who inherits, but he outfoxes her.

Dir: Will S. Davis

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Through Dante's Flames perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Stuart Homer, backed by the reform party, runs for the assembly. Rev. Richard Walters and his son, Horace, aid him. Homer wants his sister, Alice, knowing nothing of her love affair with Jefferson Blair, a young lawyer. Helen, Homer's wife, knows, however, and opposes the match and an elopement is planned. Helen finds Blair's note to Alice, reading simply, "Come to my bungalow. I love you. We will go away together. Believe me, sincerely, Jeff." Determined to prevent this, Helen starts for his bungalow alone, Homer being at the political meeting. Alice, on her way to Blair, crosses an old bridge to avoid being seen by Walters, who happens in that vicinity. The bridge falls, throwing her unconscious in a deep ravine, where she is exposed to the storm until found by strangers and later brought home. Helen is seen by Walters entering Blair's bungalow. Forming an unjust conclusion, Walters hurries to Homer at the meeting. Homer, not knowing of Blair's love for Alice, goes to the bungalow. Meanwhile Helen has surprised Blair, and shown him the note and told him she intends to wait and take Alice home. At this junction, Homer arrives and upon finding the incriminating note, orders Helen to leave his house and her little girl. Helen is caught in the storm and picked up practically out of her mind by an automobile party of questionable character. Alice is brought home only to die. Her story and Blair's grief convince Homer of his terrible mistake. He is agonized at obtaining no clue to Helen's whereabouts. Helen's despondency makes her a ready convert to the fast life of her companions. After fifteen years, we find Homer as State Governor, his daughter, Mary, away at school, and his wife a leading factor among her associates in their reprehensible career. Fate brings Mary Homer, her daughter, under the consideration of "the Master." Unknowingly she aids in the bringing of Mary into "the Master's" power. Mary's disappearance arouses the Governor's fears, but to avoid the dangers of publicity and disgrace, he puts a detective, Reggie Wilde, on the case. A restaurant is the means of picking the acquaintance of "Crooked Fingers" as Reggie looks easy, and entrance is gained to the house, where "the Master" lives, and Mary is detained. Wilde arrives during an attempted escape of Mary, the result of which is the discovery by Helen of a birthmark on Mary, proving to her that Mary is her own daughter. Helen plans Mary's escape. Meanwhile Wilde, finding the situation with "Crooked Fingers" and his confederates has reached a climax, shows his hand and under forceful "persuasion" the crooks are forced to telephone for the police, and then locked in a closet. "The Master" takes Wilde by surprise, overpowers him in a terrific struggle and stops Helen in her attempt at escaping with Mary. In desperation Helen shoots "the Master" just as the police arrive. Mary has fainted and Helen is arrested for the murder. Wilde takes Mary to the Governor. Blair, now a prominent lawyer, is assigned to the defense of Helen "Smith." On conferring with Helen, he recognizes her, but promises to keep her identity a secret. Mary is the chief witness against Helen "Smith," and during her testimony the Governor recognizes his wife. Tortured and powerless, he hears her testimony, which results in a verdict of guilty. The Governor visits Helen's cell and promises her to keep so that their daughter may not suffer disgrace. Urged by Blair, the Governor decides to pardon Helen, realizing that to do so, he must satisfy the public and get his reasons and thereby bring disgrace on himself and daughter. The decision proves needless, for Helen's weakened condition and refusal of food results in her death before the pardon leaves the Governor's hands. The Governor's Nemesis has disappeared; a Higher Court has assumed jurisdiction; who will be adjudged guilty?

Dir: Will S. Davis

Madeline De Valette is betrothed to her father's cousin, Raoul De Valette, arrangements having been made when she was but a child. Valette requests his cousin's presence at his home to be presented to his fiancée. Raoul has been carrying on a love affair with L'Acadienne, a beautiful Creole who loves him devotedly. Much against his wishes, he is compelled to leave L'Acadienne. In spite of her pleadings and threats, he sets out for the Valette home. Her jealousy prompts her to follow Raoul and disclose their love affair to his fiancée's father, and thus prevent the marriage. Madeline is in the springtime of her youth. She is fully aware of her coming marriage with Raoul, but the realization of what it means does not occur to her. She has been rehearsed daily to prepare for her first meeting with her fiancé. Raoul finally arrives at the Valette home. Although disappointed, she accepts Raoul, as a duty to her father, whose earnest wish is that she shall marry a Val De Valette. At this time the United States is at war, and there is a call for volunteers. Wolf, a backwoodsman, has been recruiting a company of citizens to help Andrew Jackson to fight the enemy at New Orleans. Gilbert Seele, whose father owns the estate adjoining the Valette's has enlisted, unbeknown to his father, who has opposed his going away. Gilbert's father, who has purchased most of the Valette property, learning of Valette's poverty, desires to buy the Valette home. In spite of their previous business transactions, Valette and Steele are not on friendly terms. Steele sends Gilbert to Valette to negotiate the sale of Valette's home. While there. Gilbert meets Madeline. He immediately falls in love with her, and she, in her innocence returns it. Valette is angry at Gilbert for daring to expect love from a lady who was already betrothed. He also refuses to listen to Steele's proposition to buy his home. Gilbert is ordered from the house, enraged at the harsh treatment accorded him. Madeline, who fears that Gilbert is angry at her, runs after him to explain. She is unable to overtake him, but the thought of never seeing him again terrifies her and she continues to follow Gilbert. Gilbert is to join the recruits at sundown. He secretly leaves home, and Madeline, arriving there, finds him gone, but she does not give up her march. In the meantime. L'Acadienne has arrived, and meeting Raoul, she threatens to expose him. Raoul manages to persuade her to remain silent by telling her that his marriage with Madeline will not part them. This satisfies her. Raoul, seeing his opportunity for breaking the betrothal, asserts that Valette could not expect him to marry Madeline now. Valette allows him to depart. He is immediately joined by L'Acadienne and they return to New Orleans. Madeline's condition is serious. Her mind is afflicted by the shock, but her father does not relent, declaring that her condition is her punishment. Crawley's report is soon found to be false for Gilbert, Wolf and the recruits return. They have been victorious. Crawley, fearing Wolf's and the people's wrath, seeks aid from Father O'Mara, who promptly hands him over to Wolf and the people who are searching for him. Crawley receives a just punishment. Gilbert learns of Madeline's condition, and efforts are made to recover her reason. A plan is decided on, the result of which causes Madeline's recovery. Valette, learning the real facts, offers his sanction to the betrothal of Madeline and Gilbert.

Dir: Will S. Davis

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of Destruction perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

Janet Ford, a penniless orphan, is reared with her mischievous identical cousin Lillian by Lillian's affluent parents. While Mr. Ford treats Janet kindly, Mrs. Ford remains cold. When Lillian is caught in a gambling raid, she convinces Janet to bear the blame, and Mrs. Ford orders Janet to leave. Lillian marries Sir Anthony Jessop and settles in England. Jessop, who soon tires of Lillian's frivolity, finds fulfillment with their son Bobby. When he rebukes Lillian for her midnight revels, she orders him to leave. Under the pretense of visiting her dying father, Lillian travels to America, followed by her lover, Raymond Fleury, and they travel West together after she persuades Janet to impersonate her at Ford's deathbed. When Janet learns that Bobby has been hurt, she sails to England and cares for him. After Jessop's uncle dies, he returns as the Earl of Devon, and grows to love Janet, who he thinks is Lillian. Janet is terrified because she also loves him. Hearing of Jessop's good fortune, Lillian returns. After Fleury pursues and shoots her, Jessop proposes to Janet that they quietly marry and keep their past secret.

Dir: Will S. Davis

A jockey and a bettor are the victims of a corrupt bookmaker.

Dir: Will S. Davis

Anson, a clown, lives happily with his wife and his small daughter until Randall, a wealthy libertine, begins to pay attention to Anson's wife. Randall alienates the love of Mrs. Anson and induces her to leave her home. Anson follows his wife to Randall's home, murders her and chokes Randall into unconsciousness. He disposes of his wife's body by throwing it over a cliff. Anson transfers to his daughter the affection he formerly lavished on his wife. He makes money in the oil industry and leaves the stage. Despite his opulence and his love for his daughter, he cannot forget the man who wrecked his home. He learns that Randall, now married, is to be the guest of a Mr. and Mrs. Mendell. Anson, who has become the partner of Mendell although the two have never met, sends word to Mendell that he is going abroad and that in his absence his business interests will be cared for by his confidential man. He suggests that his confidential man be allowed to take up residence in the Mendell household. The proposition is favorably received, and Anson, disguised as a butler, becomes an inmate of Mendell's home. Mendell devotes no small attention to Mrs. Randall. When Anson discovers this he does everything in his power to aid Mendell in the latter's conquest of Mrs. Randall. Mendell, however, is also an admirer of Anson's daughter, Ethel, whom he has seen while out riding. Unaware that Ethel is Anson's daughter, he breaks into Anson's home, carries off Ethel and speeds away in an automobile. En route to his special apartment, the machine is wrecked and Ethel is knocked unconscious. She is taken into the Mendell home and placed in bed in the room which has been vacated by Mrs. Randall, who tired of Mendell's attentions. Mendell, recovering from slight injuries sustained during the automobile accident, returns to his home. He goes to the room in which Ethel is sleeping. Anson, unaware that it is his own daughter in the room, suggests that Mendell take the woman he admires to his apartment. Anson slips into the room, chloroforms his own daughter in the belief that she is Mrs. Randall, and carries her off to the den maintained by Mendell. He leaves her in the power of Mendell and then telephones Randall that Mrs. Randall is in an apartment with Mendell. Randall hurries to the apartment, kills Mendell and then discovers that the woman in the room is not his own wife. The big moment of the action comes when Anson discovers that the woman he has turned over to Mendell is his own daughter.