The Eyes of Fear (1916)
Mangus Keating, an American, is in charge of civic affairs at Santo Thomas in the Panama Canal Zone. He counts among his friends Edward Federmuss of the Department of Education, his wife Maria, and George Woodward, who represents an English trading company. Woodward has been Panama's tropical climate for some time, and the atmosphere has changed his nature so that he has little real manhood left. For a long time numerous meaning glances have passed between Woodward and Mrs. Federmuss--quietly observed by Mr. Federmuss. Woodward has been having intimate relations with Una, a native girl who acts as one of his house servants; it is to her he turns after a day with Keating and the Federmusses. The difference between Federmuss and Woodward has upon this occasion almost amounted to an open denunciation of the former. In the weeks which follow Woodward is "cut" by Federmuss upon every occasion. Tiring of Una, Woodward has discharged her, and she has returned to her father's home. When it becomes evident that Woodward has wronged her, her father forces her to go to Woodward and tell him to marry her, but the evil-doer will not listen, and she finally kills herself. When Federmuss goes to the presidente, Woodward calls upon Marie in regard to a note he received from her saying that sometime she hopes to beg his forgiveness for the jealous actions of her husband. She finds his forgiveness is easily gained, but when he becomes rather forceful in his demonstrations toward her, she commences to fear the man. A terrific struggle follows, when Woodward tries to embrace her against her will. A hand appears through the curtains and fires a revolver. Woodward is mortally wounded. Keating hears the shot and goes to the door of the Federmuss house. Woodward lies face downward upon the steps. Federmuss stands with a revolver in hand. Maria is hysterical. After a hasty examination, Keating orders the body attended to and places Federmuss under arrest. Maria realizes what will happen to her husband if she does not do something to clear him. There is but one way: she must sacrifice herself. To better impress Keating with what she is capable, she arrays herself in all the gaudy finery at hand and seeks his presence. She tells him that her former statement, that her husband was at home in bed at the time of the crime, was incorrect; that he had gone to call upon the Presidente; that she and Woodward had taken advantage of his absence by appointment, but that her husband had returned too soon, and had killed the wrecker of his home. Keating reminds her of the gravity of her offense, but says her husband will be cleared by her statement. Hoping to clinch her story with Keating, she offers herself to him in exchange for the freedom of her husband. Keating realizes the depth of the woman's love for Federmuss. Federmuss, who has been listening to the whole conversation from the adjoining room, rushes in. He has heard enough. He surveys the pair with accusing glance. Keating is not in the least disturbed and tells them that there was also a certain Cayanan man who had a grievance, and his revenge. He orders Cayanan brought in from the next room where he has been held a bound prisoner. The old man, Una's father, then tells his story of how he had followed Woodward intent upon revenge; had seen him endeavor to force his attentions upon Mrs. Federmuss, and had shot him, thus preventing one crime and avenging another. This clears the situation and husband and wife are reconciled.
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Rupert Julian | Director |
| Earl R. Hewitt | Writer |
| Hugh Johnson | Writer |
| Carl Laemmle | Producer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Rupert Julian | |
| Gilmore Hammond | |
| Jack Connolly | |
| Elsie Jane Wilson |
