The Grim Toll of War (1913)
The town of Greenville prepares to welcome its first citizen, Frederick Douglas, who for six years has been connected with the American Embassy in a European country. With the band playing and the villagers shouting, he is escorted to his home, where he hastens to greet his young daughter, Myrtle. Myrtle introduces her father to Miss Virginia Ellis, the governess, who has become a member of the Douglas household during his absence abroad. He finds her to be a superior woman, talented and refined. Her tenderness toward Myrtle strikes a responsive chord within Douglas and one day he surprises and delights his daughter by announcing that Miss Ellis has consented to become his wife. The Civil War breaks out and a shadow falls over the Douglas home. The wife endeavors to keep secret the identity of her brother, Clel, who is a U.S. Secret Service agent. When Clel secretly visits his sister, Douglas oversees the meeting and unjustly suspects that she is unfaithful. Seeking no explanation, he leaves a note for his wife, announcing that he has answered his country's call and that everything he owns is hers. Douglas receives a commission of Colonel and leaves for the front. At the fort where his troops encamp he encounters Ellis, but the Secret Service man is busily engaged and has no opportunity to make the acquaintance of the Colonel. Ellis has been advised that the Federal plans are being disclosed and while hiding in a tree he overhears a conference which a spy from the fort has with a fellow conspirator. He learns that the gate of the fort is to be exploded, opening the way for the enemy to capture the stronghold. While he is listening, the branch of the tree breaks and he falls at the feet of the spies. Ellis is captured and conducted to a Confederate prison. Through a clever subterfuge the Secret Service man escapes and makes his way on horseback to warn the fort of the impending explosion. Colonel Douglas, presiding at the batteries, sees Ellis' approach through a spy-glass and training a gun on him, mortally wounds the young man with the explosion of a shell. Determined to reach the fort, Ellis struggles ahead of the advancing Confederates and Colonel Douglas is filled with remorse. He gathers a rescue party and taking personal command, brings Ellis to safety. With his last breath Ellis gives the warning, but is too late to prevent the explosion. The enemy sweeps in, but is repulsed and the day is saved. While arranging the last sad rites, Douglas discovers a letter in Ellis' pocket which reveals his relationship with Virginia. Virginia, knowing that sooner or later her husband will appreciate his grievous mistake, continues to preside over his household and tenderly cares for Myrtle. With his terrible secret locked in his breast. Colonel Douglas returns home after the war and endeavors to make amends by a life of devotion to his faithful wife.
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Kenean Buel | Director |
| Emmett C. Hall | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Guy Coombs | |
| Hal Clements | |
| Anna Q. Nilsson | |
| Marguerite Courtot |
