The Craven Heart (1911)

Bess and Roy are engaged to be married, and he is happy in the security of her love, when a foreign count appears on the scene. Being ambitious to shine in the world of title, Bess decides to renounce Roy, whom she really loves, and accept the count. Her father consents, and, flushed with the success of his suit, he leaves, only to be confronted by his deserted wife, who has followed him from Europe. Not wishing to be seen, the count rushes into his machine and they drive to her hotel to discuss matters. Roy has seen this meeting and hailing an auto he starts in pursuit, following them into her hotel. Here Roy does some detective work. The count succeeds in pacifying his wife. But Roy has discovered the situation and determines to face the count in his duplicity. The count upon starting to leave, is surprised by Roy and a fierce fights ensues. Madame tries to separate them and failing, screams for help. Madame has a lighted lamp. In his fury the count seizes the lamp and hurls it at Roy, who luckily dodges it. It explodes, setting fire to the stairs, their only avenue of escape. The fire alarm is turned in and an exciting and terrible fire is the result of the rash act. Realizing what he has done, the count rushes to the window, calling for help, and when the firemen reach it with the ladder, he would have descended first, but is thrown aside by Roy, who assists the firemen in rescuing the woman. He then permits the count to follow, himself bringing up the rear. The situation is a perilous one, and the ladder, over-burdened with its human weight, gives way, hurling the count to the ground. Roy clings desperately to the upper portion until another ladder is raised and he is then rescued, only to discover that the count has been burned. Madame then tells Bess the story, and together they visit Roy, where he and Bess are reconciled.

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Summary Details
GenresDrama Short