The Loyal Rebel (1915)

Tired of the monotony of farm life, Stanley Gifford is attracted to the gold fields, but before he leaves home he becomes engaged to Violet Howard. The girl's father, however, is associated with a "crook," Pellew Owen, who is witness to a murder committed by the old man. As the price of silence the daughter is forced to marry Owen, but in a very short while he tires of his marital obligations and discards his wife. Father and daughter then set out for Ballarat, and when within a few miles of the diggings the old man dies of exhaustion. The girl in befriended by a bank manager, whose office is subsequently burgled by Owen and his accomplices. She surprises the thieves, but is overpowered and carried away on horseback. The police get on the trail, and Violet is recovered. About this time the miners become restless; meetings are held, and Peter Lalor is elected leader. Owen is given his liberty on consenting to spy on the discontents. The trouble commences with the burning of the Victoria Hotel. The police are armed, and the miners, also armed, decide to make a stand at the Eureka Stockade. The scenes which follow are highly exciting. The attack of the police is vividly portrayed. The miners are eventually overcome in a stirring fight. Lalor, however, is hidden by his friends, and the hero escapes with his former sweetheart after being wounded in the scrimmage.