Victory or Death (1913)

Bernard, under the assumed name of Count DaMora, is a spy, who wins the love of Blanche, the daughter of General Alberti. The general is entrusted with the keeping of a new bomb and the plans for making it, and Bernard is endeavoring to steal them. He calls on Blanche, presses a bouquet of flowers saturated with chloroform to her nostrils, enters the general's room and accomplishes his purpose. Blanche revives and goes in pursuit. Bernard sails on a steamer. Blanche misses the boat, but overtakes it in an aeroplane, dropping into the water from the airship and being pulled abroad by the sailors. A thrilling encounter takes place when she confronts Bernard in his stateroom with a revolver in her hand, but a fire breaks out, diverting her attention for a moment and he leap» upon her and overpowers her. He binds her and rushes to the deck, where the frantic and panic-stricken passengers are trying to make their escape from the burning craft. An awe-inspiring scene of a blazing vessel is shown. A number of explosions take place, and the huge craft dives to the bottom of the sea. Blanche is saved by working herself free of the bonds and leaping into the water, where she clings to wreckage. She is picked up by Wilkinson, a wealthy man cruising in his yacht. He offers his aid, and the two go to Bernard's country. Blanche disguises herself sufficiently to carry out a plan she has formulated, and meets Bernard. He calls the police to arrest her as a spy, but she disclaims his acquaintance, and when Wilkinson insists that she is his wife, Bernard is forced to the conclusion that the resemblance is only a strange coincidence. Blanche makes Bernard fall in love with her and makes on appointment in his home. Wilkinson accompanies her as her chauffeur, and waits outside. Blanche drugs the wine of Bernard, and as he is lapsing into unconsciousness she makes known her identity. She recovers the bombs and plans, and, leaping from the window into the automobile, whirls away. The police pursue in another automobile and a running pistol fight takes place. Wilkinson and Blanche reach a waiting aeroplane and fly away just out of reach of the bullets of their pursuers. They restore the articles to the general, whose honor is thus saved, and who willingly gives his consent when Wilkinson asks for the hand of Blanche.