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Human Desires Synopsis

In Paris an actress divorces a jealous impresario and weds the officer who once saved her from suicide.

The Law of the North Synopsis

Lieutenant Robert Graham, commanding the Northwest Mounted Police at an obscure post, announces to his young friend, Corporal Emerson, of the Mounted, that his daughter, Edith, is coming from London to join him. Marie Beaubin and her brother, Pierre, a trapper, live on the outskirts of the post. Marie repulses the advances of Batiste, a whiskey runner, but falls easy prey to Reginald Annesley, the prepossessing factor of the trading post. Edith comes, and Emerson and Annesley become rivals for her favor. Marie determines to end the repulsive advances of Batiste, and proposes to lead Emerson to the scene of his illegal liquor traffic. Emerson captures the half-breed and locks him in a cell. Marie visits Annesley and confesses her predicament, "I die if you do not marry me." Annesley laughs. Emerson learns of the truth and warns the factor, "Look out for the Law of the North. A broken promise means death up here." Annesley scornfully bids him mind his business. Batiste escapes from prison, and Emerson again searches for him, aided by Marie. Annesley sees his chance, and persuades Edith that the frequent meetings between the corporal and the girl can have but one meaning. seeing the two together, and realizing that Marie is aiding in the search for him. hastens to Pierre and tells him that Emerson is trifling with his sister's love. Pierre swears vengeance. Marie informs Annesley that she will tell Edith of his perfidy, and fearing that she will keep her threat, he kills her, placing a handkerchief with Emerson's initials near the body. Pierre finds his sister's frozen corpse and goes to the post to demand justice, presenting the handkerchief as evidence that Emerson is guilty. Emerson once more captures Batiste and brings him to the post, where he himself is placed under arrest. Visiting the scene of the crime some days later, Edith finds a photograph of Annesley and a baby shoe. With her father's permission, she invites Annesley to her cabin and there proceeds to entertain him. She plies him with wine, and under its influence, Annesley flings caution to the winds. He makes love to her, and in a burst of passion, confesses the murder of Marie as proof of his devotion. A shot rings out. Pierre, thirsting for vengeance, has been watching the cabin, hoping for a sight of Emerson, and has overheard Annesley's confession. Edith and the corporal are later married, while over Annesley's grave, an inscription tells that Marie's death has been avenged by "The Law of the North."