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The Drums of Jeopardy Synopsis
Grand Duke Alexis of Russia possesses two priceless emeralds, known as the Drums of Jeopardy, which allegedly exert a sinister power over their owner. They are willed to the duke's private secretary, Jerome Hawksley, who brings them to New York City and places them in the care of Banker Burrows. Bolshevik secret agent Gregor Karlov steals the jewels, kills Burrows, and kidnaps Jerome. The banker's daughter, Dorothy Burrows, assisted by Cutty, a member of the U.S. Secret Service, trail Karlov to a café and he is killed in the ensuing battle. Jerome recovers the jewels, and he marries Dorothy.
The Heiress at Coffee Dan's Synopsis
"Waffles," the waitress at "Coffee Dan's" hash-house, is selected by Bert Gallagher and Clara Johnstone, a pair of crooks, to be represented as a missing heiress whose story they have read about in the papers. "Waffles" herself believes the story, as she was orphaned early and remembers little of her childhood, and by adroit coaching is able to convince the estate's none too bright lawyers of the validity of her claim. With this unlimited money, poor little "Waffles" nevertheless has only three desires: to buy the little restaurant for her old benefactor, Shorty Olson, to publish the music written by her lover, Carl Miller, a young, eccentric, absent-minded musical genius, and to adopt the baby that a Mrs. O'Shaughnessy is too poor to care for. But "Waffles" establishes Shorty Olson as chef in her mansion, and Miller is a frequent caller until Mrs. Johnstone in secret convinces him that it is his duty to give up the girl who is destined for high society. Without explaining to "Waffles," he discontinues his visits. Mrs. Johnstone is thus able to induce "Waffles" to promise to marry the crook, Gallagher, but just before the ceremony old Shorty Olson overhears a dispute between Gallagher and a gangster over loot, and thus discovers Gallagher's real character. Shorty Olson is caught eavesdropping, and the crooks shut him into the garage. Carl Miller has been mooning at the house of his lost love, and sees Shorty Olson put into the garage. He goes over and knocks out the gangster on guard and the liberated Shorty goes for the police and Carl goes for the marriage service, which has just begun. "Waffles" sees his face at the window and faints. She is revived and the service is begun again when Carl forces his way in and battles the bridegroom. The police arrive just in time, and the crooks go to jail. The lawyer comes with the real heiress, and "Waffles" goes back to the hash house. For the crooks' arrest the three are given a reward of $1,500, so Shorty Olson buys "Coffee Dan's." Carl publishes his music, and "Waffles" adopts Mrs. O'Shaughnessy's baby.
"The Drums of Jeopardy" holds a slight edge in general audience appreciation, but "The Heiress at Coffee Dan's" offers its own unique cult appeal.
Suggested Watch:
The Drums of Jeopardy