The Auteur's Selection In the Shadow of Shadows from the Past: Cult Guide

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Eve Leslie is sent to boarding school. Proud of the fortune that has come to her she feels herself above Adam Moore, who loves her. Eugene D'Arcy, a powerful banker, who also suffers from pride and arrogance, meets Eve and wants her. In order that her pride may be further satisfied, she decides to marry a count. They elope, after eluding D'Arcy in an exciting chase, and board an ocean liner, bound for Europe. D'Arcy manages to catch the liner, as does Adam Moore, who stows away, hoping to protect her. Aboard the liner Adam manages to expose the bogus count and frustrate D'Arcy. Adam wins back his sweetheart after she has learned from bitter experience that a fall always follows pride. A fitting end comes to D'Arcy, who pays for his evil machinations that resulted from his false pride.

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Mary Keene did not realize that when placed in the office of John Ingalls to assist in carrying out Robert Moran's plot to secure Ingalls' money she would spoil the whole scheme of things by falling in love with her big-hearted employer. Mary had always been "straight" in spite of her association with Moran and his band of blackmailers. But she had erred against man-made laws, though innocently, and fearing disgrace and prison if exposed by Moran she was compelled to assist in his nefarious schemes. Moran discovered that Ingalls loved children, and that he lived a secluded, lonely life. Mary's advent in John Ingalls' life was for the purpose of introducing a supposed little sister of hers into the Ingalls' home and through this child, thoroughly trained for the task assigned her, ultimately reach Ingalls' store of wealth. Moran's plans were successful until Mary began to realize she loved Ingalls and rebelled against further deception. Ingalls loved Mary and offered her his hand. The wedding ceremony was simple but pretty. Meanwhile, Moran had been planning along different lines. Why not force Mary to get a large sum from her husband and leave with him for foreign shores? Moran has long coveted Mary and he believes this his opportunity. Mary, for once in her bitter life, enjoys the utmost happiness. This joy is increased by the realization that she is soon to become a mother. Time has flown backward ten years in the life of John Ingalls. He feels the blood of young manhood coursing through his veins. Soon Moran presents his plan to Mary, who pleads with Moran to have pity and leave her in peace; but there is no alternative, she must go or see herself and husband disgraced by Moran's exposure. At home, Mary ponders long over her duty. She looks out on the placid lake from her window and with a prayer to the "God of Little Children," decides to give up the struggle and end her life, Moran, meanwhile, has plotted carefully. For a few dollars "Hard Tack," his willing accomplice, will put John Ingalls out of the way. The public will believe he committed suicide because his wife deserted him. The note she writes upon leaving will be found beside the body. Then with John Ingalls' widow in his power nothing shall come between Robert Moran and a fortune. Seated in his library, John Ingalls little dreamed that the hand of an assassin was near. Beside the lake Mary is about to end her life. She looks up at the library window with a silent prayer to Ingalls not to misjudge when she sees a crouching figure holding a pistol, silhouetted against the blind. Mary rushes into the house and reaches his side just in time to divert the bullet from Hard Tack's weapon. Ingalls conquers Hard Tack, who is hurled through a window. He is killed by his fall. Moran, waiting outside for Mary to meet him according to promise, overhears the pistol shot and, becoming alarmed at Hard Tack's long absence, boldly comes into the library, revolver in hand. Mary, seeing Moran and believing Ingalls' life again in danger, takes aim with the gun she picks up and fires at Moran. He falls dead, the bullet piercing his heart. The story ends happily.

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Goaded by ambition for wealth, and the pleasure of her mother. Julia Long breaks her engagement with Jack Carter and marries George Bender, president of the National Bank. Her first years of married life are filled with happiness. Julia possesses a voice of more than usual merit, and Bender engages Prof. Alberto Martino to instruct her. Martino becomes a frequent visitor, while Julia makes rapid strides with her singing. Bender, occupied with his work, seems to be unable to fulfill his duties to the home. Martino, taking advantage of Julia's loneliness, paints the great future that she might win through her wonderful voice. If she will but flee to Paris with him, he promises, the world will be at her feet. Threatened by the father of a girl whom he has wronged. Martino is forced to flee, and Julia leaves her home and little daughter, Cora, to seek fame with the musician. Time passes and Julia is in Europe, alone and penniless, deserted by Martino. She is picked up unconscious on the steps of the Opera House where she has been seeking an engagement, and is carried into the dressing room of Marie Jardin, a famous prima donna. Mme. Jardin listens to her story and makes Julia her protégée. Under her teaching Julia's voice develops rapidly and she commences to achieve success. Eighteen years later, in America, Ralph Carter, the son of Julia's first sweetheart, and Cora Bender, Julia's daughter, whom she has deserted, are in love. Bender refuses to consent to the marriage and in an effort to make Cora forget, he arranges a trip to Europe. Julia, known as Julia Marina, a world-renowned prima donna, lives in Paris. She has carried on an affair with the Duc de Lac, and has wearied of paying his gambling debts. At Monte Carlo the Duc meets Bender and his party. Due to the workings of Julia's mother, Cora is forced to accept the Duc de Lac as her fiancé. The Duc hastens to Julia to tell of his engagement to a rich American girl. While out walking, Julia sees Bender with her mother and a young girl and realizes the girl must be her own daughter. She awaits an opportunity to meet Cora alone and confirm her identity. Cora, impressed by the talented lady, accepts her invitation to call. Cora's visits to Julia's dressing room become more and more frequent. Bender finds Julia's card in Cora's room and goes to the theater. Julia, unable to restrain herself, tells Cora that she is her mother. Bender, coming into the room, finds them embracing each other. At first wrathful, he cannot withstand Cora's pleas, and he and Julia are reconciled. Julia discovers the rich American girl of whom the Duc spoke is her daughter. She orders him to break his engagement. In order to prevent the marriage, she threatens to reveal the relations that have existed between them. The Duc is defiant. Julia sacrifices herself and tells Bender the truth; Bender wreaks his wrath upon her, and, taking Cora, returns to America. Julia seeks solace in her art, but in a quarrel with the Duc she loses her voice. Months pass and Bender, repenting his hasty action, returns to take Julia back home again.

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Story deals with Rodin, a prospector who has struck it rich after years of toiling. He comes upon the cabin of Estrella in a delirium brought on by starvation. This woman's husband has deserted her; in order to blackmail Rodin she makes him believe that in his delirium he murdered the missing man. For years Estrella bleeds Rodin. He tries in vain to establish proof of his innocence, but he is unsuccessful, and the woman keeps the upper hand. Alter some years Rodin meets Alice Carey, and a love springs up between them. Estrella reads of their engagement, and sends another blackmailing letter. Rodin calls on her to plead with her. She refuses, and in desperation he switches off the lights and locks her in a secret room, where he leaves her. Her trunk, which has been packed for a journey, he gives to an expressman. It falls off the wagon into the river. As Estrella does not appear, and the trunk is found floating in the stream, Rodin is accused of her murder. At the trial a host of evidence is brought up against him, and it seems to everyone that he is certain of being convicted. But just when the jury is about to retire the judge instructs them that no verdict of guilty can be brought, as the body has not been found. On this technicality, which comes as a complete surprise to everyone, including Rodin, the accused man is acquitted. He then goes to Alice to hear his "real sentence." She confesses that she believes him guilty of the murder. He releases her from the engagement, and goes to his home. A shot rings out in the library. The butler rushes in, to find his master dead.

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Spanish soldiers arrive in Cuba and raid the farm of Dolores' father. Father and brother, attempting to protect their home, are arrested and held for court-martial. Captain Hernandez listens to Dolores' plea for their release and taken by her beauty, promises to set them free. His advances to her are interrupted by the sound of a rifle volley. Through the open window, Dolores sees her father fall before the firing squad. For this she kills Hernandez. Running to his home in the mountain fastnesses, she tells Garcia, Cuba's savior, of her act. Political unrest finds the Maine anchored in the Harbor of Havana. Jose, Dolores' brother, hiding from the troops who have killed his father, seeks revenge. Prowling about, he enters a subterranean vault where he sees an officer exhibiting to some visitors, the switch which controls the mines laid in the harbor. The officer and his friends depart, and Jose throws the switch which sends the Maine and its crew to the bottom. Garcia's whereabouts are unknown and President McKinley seeks a man who can deliver a message addressed: General Garcia, Somewhere in Cuba. Of the many who are called, Lieutenant Rowan alone is chosen. Mme. Gonzalles, a spy in America, employed by the Spanish government, is instructed to ascertain the attitude of the United States government, after the sinking of the Maine. She discovers that Rowan is sailing for Cuba with a message for Garcia. Determining that the message must not reach its destination she follows Rowan on his trip across, arranging by wire for his arrest upon his arrival in Havana. A soldier, stopping at a well near Dolores' home, drops a message addressed to Captain Gonzalles, Mme. Gonzalles' brother, informing him that she has arranged for the American's capture. Dolores rushes to Garcia with the news. On board ship, Mme. Gonzalles makes several efforts to get the message, but each time is foiled by Rowan. He learns of the fate that awaits him and when the boat docks, escapes the pursuing soldiers by jumping overboard. Rowan swims ashore and eludes the pursuing Spaniards. Meeting one of the soldiers single-handed, Rowan overpowers him. exchanging his own wet clothes for the man's uniform. Thus, clad as a soldier of Spain, Rowan sets out to roam the wilderness for Garcia. He meets Dolores who, at first frightened because of the uniform he wears, shows her relief and joy when she learns that he is "Americano." He manages to make her understand that he is seeking Garcia. "Butcher" Weyler, Governor-General of Cuba, upbraids Mme. Gonzalles for her failure in effecting Rowan's arrest. Fearful lest Weyler wreak his wrath upon her, Captain Gonzalles, her brother, offers to assume personal responsibility for the immediate capture of Rowan. From the brow of a hill, Rowan and Dolores sight the pursuing party. Capture is imminent and Rowan entrusts his message to Dolores. They part ways and soon Rowan is made a prisoner. Dolores, however, manages to set him free. Again, they start on their journey, but the pursuers soon take up the trail and before long they find themselves ambushed. All hope seems lost. Dolores parts the bushes and reveals in the distance, the house of Garcia. She returns the message to Rowan and bids him hasten on, while she remains behind with his rifle, holding off the attacking troops. Rowan delivers the message, but on his return he finds the bullet-riddled body of Dolores, mute witness to her great heroism. As a sacred memory of the one who made the delivery of the message possible, he takes back home with him Dolores' lace scarf. Back in the barracks the boys are rejoicing at Rowan's success. He is greeted amid wild shouts and cheers, and when the lace scarf comes to view his friend turn to him with an all-knowing smile. But the story of Dolores' sacrifice soon makes them understand and when the call to arms is sounded they march away cherishing the name of the unknown "little Cuban."

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Ralph Valentine and his father are musicians of proud and aristocratic ways and are so wrapped up in their art as to be oblivious of their poverty. Their faithful servant, Joseph, has been wont to withhold the threats of debtors from them, but there comes a time, shortly after the father's death, that Ralph must be told the truth. Joseph tells everything and suggests that Ralph accept money that he has saved and go to Paris, where he may show the world his art. Ralph does so and goes to live with the Gardins. His uncle Victor Valentine, wealthy and fond of gay life, invites him to live at his home provided he will leave behind his foolish dreams and fancies. Ralph refuses, preferring to remain where he is. He wins the love of Pauline Gardin and is quite content. Through his Bohemian acquaintances he meets Mme. Flora Margot. This tired, blasé young woman makes a pet of him and enraptured by her dazzling beauty he longs to satisfy her every desire. Attempting to do so, he becomes indebted to impatient creditors, who demand immediate payment or his arrest. Pauline, ignorant of his infatuation with Flora, assists him out of his present difficulties with her own savings. Realizing Flora's fast waning affection, he resolves to regain it by buying a certain antique necklace which he knows she covets. The antique dealer demands an exorbitant price which he is unable to pay. He is further disheartened when one day he finds her in the arms of his uncle, and he rushes forth intent upon suicide. About to throw himself into the river, a vision of Flora appears before him and he resolves to secure the necklace at any cost. The dealer of the antique shop is busy when he enters and Ralph wanders into a room where there are curios upon the walls and tables. Curiously examining the various articles, his hand suddenly touches a secret panel which springs back, revealing a marvelous painting of the Christ. A spiritual influence comes over him, so profound is its impression upon his mind. While awaiting the attendance of the dealer, he becomes greatly interested in a peculiar skin which has writing upon it in Sanskrit. Sitting down he becomes drowsy and falls asleep. The writing changes into English, which reads that the possessor of the skin has only to wish and his wish will be granted, but that with each desire the skin shall grow smaller and the days of the possessor grow less until death is the penalty at the last wish. The dealer approaches and Ralph is amazed to behold him now in the form of a devil. The devil asks if he desires the skin and Ralph, fearfully undecided, suddenly thinks of Flora and agrees to take it. What are his desires and his terrible anguish as the talisman grows smaller have been woven into a story of weird and mystic situations.

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Two business partners, Bradley and Collier, are in love with Mary. Bradley gives Collier to understand that he is engaged to her, and it is this only that prevents Collier declaring his love. Lola, a young Italian girl whom Bradley has betrayed, comes to the office to beg him to marry her. Mary hears the girl's plea, and comes into the office. Here she sees Collier talking to the girl. He has come, not knowing the situation, and Bradley has slipped out another door. Mary believes that Collier is the guilty man, and refuses to speak to him. Bradley encourages her in this idea and begs her to marry him. Collier, heartbroken, has left for the west, in order to recover his lost spirits. Bradley has a fake telegram sent to him announcing Collier's death, for he knows that he has no chance with Mary as long as his rival is alive. After some time Mary marries him. But almost immediately afterward she meets Lola, who is dying in a hospital. Lola begs her to care for Bradley's child, and she learns too late that her husband deceived her. She returns and denounces him. He, knowing that the scandal is sure to get out, orders her to prepare for a trip to Europe. He sells his, as well as Collier's, share in the company. Lola's father, crazed by his daughter's death, comes to Bradley's office and sneaks in through the basement window. The next day Bradley is found dead. Tony is arrested. Collier returns and meets Mary. Together they go to the police and ask for the release of Tony. Collier tells of his arrival the night before and his knowledge of the sale of the company. He went to confront Bradley, and they struggled. Bradley drew a revolver, which went off in his hand, killing him. Collier had tried to make the case look like suicide, until he learned that Tony was being held. The police assure Collier that his innocence will be easily established, and he and Mary face the future with the knowledge that a long-deferred happiness will be theirs.

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Filled with memories of the Philippine campaign, Lieutenant Ranson returns to the United States. After a month or two in Washington, he tells his father that he must have a change, and a chance to see some excitement. General Ranson writes and arranges to have him go to Fort Stanton, Texas, an Army post commanded by an old friend. Arrived at the railroad town nearest to the post, Ranson is conveyed to the post by stagecoach. A prairie fire is in progress a few miles away from Fort Stanton, and Ranson joins the soldiers and others in fighting it. Incidentally, he is successful in rescuing Mary Cahill, the daughter of the post-trader, Patrick Cahill. Ranson is received into the life of the fort and becomes a leader among the younger men. Ranson talks of the "big doings" out in the Philippines, and is "bored to death" with the dull routine of the fort. When one of the men calls his attention to a placard announcing a large reward for the capture of "The Red Rider," Ranson declares that it is nothing at all to hold up a stage; that anyone can do it and get away with it; that on a $50 bet, he himself, will hold up the stagecoach that night with a pair of shears. His brother officers ridicule the idea. Ranson insists that he can, and will, do it. Meantime, at the railway town, the coach has already started when Lieutenant Patten, the paymaster, arrives, carrying a bag containing $10.000 with which to pay off the soldiers. Finding the coach gone, he engages a man with a buckboard to drive him to the fort. Ranson successfully holds up the stagecoach. He is polite to the two lady passengers and takes nothing from anybody except a souvenir from one of the ladies, in the form of her photograph, this being sufficient proof to show his brother officers. He then rides back to the post. Meantime, Lieutenant Patten, hurrying along in the buckboard, is held up by a masked man dressed almost exactly as was Ranson. In a fight that ensues, the highwayman shoots and kills the driver of the buckboard, and wounds the lieutenant in the shoulder. The robber then gets possession of the bag of money and makes good his escape, but not before he has been himself shot in the hand by the paymaster. At the post, the news of the robbery arrives with the return of the detachment of men who have been sent out to escort the paymaster. They bring Lieutenant Patten with them, and he tells of the robbery and of having wounded the robber in the hand. As an outcome of the whole affair, Ranson is arrested, charged with having held up both stage and the pay-train. He is confined to his quarters, awaiting court martial, and there he sends for Mr. Cahill, with whom he wishes to speak in regard to Mary. He notices that Cabin's hand is bandaged, but Cahill tells him that his pony bit him while he was bridling her. Mary enters, and in the course of the conversation tells Ranson that her father has told her that he shot himself in the hand while fooling with his revolver. Ranson is at once suspicious, and when Mary goes out he accuses Cahill of being the real "Red Rider." Finally Cahill confesses that it is true. Ranson tells him that no matter what happened, he will stick by his daughter. He urges Cahill to hurry away to Fort Worth on the pretext of buying an engagement ring. Cahill says he will do so and that he will write a letter of confession exonerating Ranson, after he is safely in Canada. But hardly has he entered the other room when Ranson hears a shot. Rushing in, he finds Cahill lying across the table, a bullet through his brain. By his hand is a brief note of confession, which he has hastily scribbled. As Mary rushes in, Ranson draws her back but she has guessed the truth. Her father has paid for his long-concealed life of crime, and now she gives herself wholly into Ranson's keeping, knowing that her father's wish was to have them marry and be happy.

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"Man, you are a living lie." Thus is Philip Strong, the rising young pastor of a fashionable Calvary Church, addressed by Brother Man (symbolizing the Spirit of Christ on earth). Surrounded by luxury, lionized by a wealthy congregation, Philip Strong suddenly realizes the force of these words. He has been preaching the doctrines of Christ, but his work has been the work of bare words only. To prove the truth of what he says. Brother Man leads Philip to the slums, and shows him the misery and squalor of a world which he has never known. The starving women and children, the kitchens of Hell where whiskey ruins the lives of men, impresses Philip deeply. He sees his real mission in life. He must help the downtrodden. Sarah, Philip's wife, wrapped in her social ambition, is horrified when Philip announces his determination. She refuses to permit her little daughter, Irma, to play with an orphaned child of the slums, whom Philip has brought home to shelter. She pleads with Philip to give up his new work. It means ruin and social ostracism. She scolds and bursts into a rage of fury, but Philip is firm. Goaded on by her mother, who pictures the disgrace of Philip's close association with the slums, Sarah leaves the home, taking Irma with her. Time finds Philip living in the slums, immersed in his work. Fighting the battle of the downtrodden, he arouses the hate of powerful forces. The rich of his congregation, owning the properties which house saloons, and the owners of these saloons, combine to bring about his downfall. Undaunted by threats of personal harm, he wages his war. Cheered by Brother Man in the moments when things seem most hopeless, he fights his battle with new energy. His friends gone, his little daughter dead, the wife whom he loves opposing him, he fights on. Scenting an opportunity to discredit him, the interests cause Sarah to believe that Loreen, a consumptive derelict, whom he has redeemed and sheltered in his home, is his mistress. The story is disproved and Sarah relents, but too late. The body bearing the spirit of Philip is not equal to the task. Wrecked by worry and ill-health, he gives up his life and his soul passes to the One Whose work he has been doing, and like Whom he has been crucified.

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Guido, an artist, is obsessed with the desire for the death of Clavering, a rich man who has entered into a forced marriage with Margaret, the girl whom Guido loves. The thought accompanies him in his work, his sleep and fills his every moment. One night, he awakens from a dream in which he has murdered Clavering. The next morning, Clavering is found murdered and Guido labors under the uncanny feeling that he is the murderer. Hoping to relieve Guido's fears, Margaret induces him to paint the picture of his dream. Clavering's butler sees the painting of his dead master, and is so horror stricken that he confesses to murdering Clavering for his money.