The Global Archive For Devotees of Den tredie magt: Cult Guide

Dir: August Blom

Ernest Des Tressailles, a young Bourbon officer, arrives with some companions at the castle of Trionville to marry Alaine de l'Etoile. While they are at the wedding feast, Republican troops arrive, but Ernest escapes only to be captured later. He is sentenced to be shot the following morning. He is paralyzed with fear and Alaine, though surprised and disappointed by his cowardice, determines to save her husband at any cost. She entreats Marc Arron, the stern Republican, to save Ernest. At last Marc Arron. influenced by her beauty and his love for her, accedes to her entreaties, and exchanges clothing with the condemned man. In the garments of the latter he sits down to await the hour when he must atone with his own life. Alaine is captivated by his courage. Marc Arron informs Montaloup, a member of the committee of public welfare, that he has permitted Ernest to escape. Montaloup pities him for his blunder, but Marc Arron rejects all sympathy. When Ernest later on returns voluntarily, Marc Arron refuses to accept the pardon offered, as he wishes to set an example for all true patriots. In the white and gold uniform of the White Hussars he strides to the window and commands the soldiers to fire, while he shouts, "Long live Alaine. Long live the Republic."

Dir: August Blom

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

A comet, passing by Earth, causes rioting, social unrest, and major disasters that destroy the world.

Dir: August Blom

After Sylvia Lafont's dance partner falls ill a replacement must be found quickly in order to perform the famous Vampire Dance. A newspaper ad is placed a number of hopefuls respond but Sylvia quickly chooses Oscar but tragedy results.

Dir: August Blom

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

Eileen Wells is receiving a call from her fiancé, Lieutenant Masters, when her father, General Wells, and her brother, Gordon, who is a Lieutenant, arrive bringing the startling news that war has been declared against their country by the Government of Lieutenant Masters, who is the military attaché to the embassy of the hostile country. General Wells dismisses him from his house as he is now an enemy. Upon departing for his country Lieutenant Masters returns to bid farewell to Eileen, and she gives him a carrier pigeon so that he may communicate with her. Before leaving for the scene of action, the General and Gordon acquiesce to Eileen's desire to serve as a red-cross nurse. An orderly brings to General Wells' headquarters the announcement that the Prince will, at two o'clock the next day, present the colors to the 5th Battery. This Battery is under command of Lieutenant Powell, who, acting as a tool for the enemy, steals over to the opposing forces to acquaint their commander with the presentation of the colors, and advise a surprise attack at that hour. The traitor quickly returns to his camp. In his own tent, he constructs a bomb, and places the deadly missile in a huge long-range cannon, timing the explosion for the hour of the Prince's presence. Perceiving that there is a traitor in General Wells' army, and realizing the grave danger that threatens his sweetheart's father, after a few moments deliberation, his love for Eileen prevails over his duty to his country. Lieutenant Masters dispatches a note with the pigeon, advising her that a traitor has given information of the color presentation, and that a sudden attack will take place at that hour. Eileen frantically speeds to the front in a motor car, and miraculously eluding the fusillade of the picket, she reaches her brother's camp, and imparts to him the plot. Like a flash he mounts his horse, and rides to the General's headquarters, arriving in the nick of time to save the Prince, his father and staff from the deadly explosion of the bomb. Forthwith a terrible battle ensues, the enemy manifesting splendid heroism, unheeding the multitude of shrieking, bursting shells which mow down many of their number, fairly covering the battlefield with dead and wounded. Gradually all the trenches fall into the hands of the advancing army, save the last one, which, under the command of Lieutenant Masters, offers a most obstinate resistance. The battalion of Lieutenant Wells soon overpowers it; a violent bayonet charge follows, during which Lieutenant Wells witnesses Lieutenant Masters' fall. The enemy is repulsed from its position by Lieutenant Wells' forces, and completely routed. During the interim, Eileen is nobly caring for the wounded soldiers in a field hospital, where her brother finds her, and tells her how he saw Lieutenant Masters fall, firmly clasping his country's flag. Eileen, anxious to learn her sweetheart's fate, induces Gordon to accompany her to the battlefield. After searching for some time, they finally come across Lieutenant Masters lying among the dead, seriously wounded. They have him placed upon a stretcher, and send him to their home, which had been converted into an emergency hospital. Determined to drive the enemy from their last stronghold, Lieutenant Wells volunteers to blow up this fortress. Up and down snow-covered mountains, through the intricacies of barbed-wire entanglements, and overcoming numerous obstacles, he at last reaches the fortress. The sentries guarding the entrance are killed by a bursting shell, whereupon the Lieutenant, entering the court, comes face to face with Powell, who offers his sword to Wells that he may kill him. The latter rejecting the sword, ignites a bomb, the explosion of which shatters the powder magazine, killing and burying under the debris the traitor. Accompanied by strains of martial music, the victorious army marches into the fortress, and receives the surrender of the holding forces, thus consummating a complete victory. Soon after, General Wells has returned to his home, the Prince comes to confer decorations upon him and his son for their heroism. Lieutenant Masters, now convalescing, under the care of Eileen, obtains the consent of her father to their marriage, and receives the praises of the Prince for his services to the country.

Dir: August Blom

When Eva Vange regains her sight after a successful operation, she falls in love with her savior - the young ophthalmologist Juel. Her fiancé Ernst, who is both her cousin and a teacher at the school for the blind, sets her free so she can marry the man she loves. However, it doesn't take long before the marital bliss crumbles and darkness descends on Eva's life again.

Dir: August Blom

A visual fragment from the archive: The thematic resonance of In Defense of a Nation perfectly mirrors the editorial trajectory of our deep dive.

A Mormon missionary seduces and kidnaps an attractive young woman, forcing her to accompany him to Utah to become one of his wives.

Dir: August Blom

Count Von Teyn is a young officer in a cavalry regiment, and after a romantic courtship and marriage he unwittingly subscribes to a fund for the benefit of Miss Phoebe, a professional equestrienne. The latter thanks the Count by letter and asks that she be permitted to thank him in person. The letter falls into the hands of his wife, Lydia, and she witnesses the meeting and returns to her parents in a jealous rage. The Count later begs for forgiveness and a reconciliation follows. In a race for the King's cup, Count Von Teyn is one of the principal riders and Lydia, in company with her millionaire father, Peter Romford, and many other notables, occupy box seats in the grandstand. During the steeplechase, Count Von Teyn is thrown from his mount and injured. The family physician calls in consultation two eminent specialists and they agree that the young nobleman has suffered injuries which will cause him to be a cripple for life. Lydia bears this news with fortitude, and resolves to devote the remainder of her life to the care of her husband. The latter suffers intense agony and on one occasion attempts to gain possession of a revolver belonging to a brother officer, who is paying him a visit. Failing in this attempt to end his life, the Count implores his wife to furnish him with the means of self-destruction. As well as his helpless state will permit, he pictures the agonies which foe must suffer until death brings relief and Lydia finally succumbs to his pleading and furnishes the medium. It is now her turn to bear the unspeakable suffering which possesses her at the mere thought of her act. The authorities charge her with the murder of her husband and she is placed on trial. She pleads her innocence after a scathing denunciation at the hands of the public prosecutor. The summing up of the judges is prolonged, but in the end, Lydia is acquitted and leaves the courtroom surrounded by her parents and friends.

Dir: August Blom

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

A fascinating piece of cinema that shares thematic elements.

Dir: August Blom

The notorious criminal Barra is approached by Agent Frank for a profitable collaboration. The brand new designs of a revolutionary internal combustion engine is the target.

Dir: August Blom

After Dr. Friedrich's wife becomes mentally unstable and his research papers are rejected, he leaves the country to respite.