David and Jonathan (1920)

David Mortlake and John Hawkesley, college chums, are dubbed David and Jonathan because they are inseparable companions. This friendship develops. Years later Jonathan hearing that David contemplates an African hunting trip, volunteers to accompany him. On shipboard they meet Joan Meredith. A fire ends the dawning romantic thoughts of the two for a time, but later to David falls the task of rescuing the girl. The three are swept onto the shores of a lonely West African island. There the three establish themselves, both loving the one girl. In a fight with a leopard, which attacked the camp, Jonathan is injured and nursed by Joan, who falls in love with him. The two men realize their position and it is decided that the girl shall decide for herself. David speaks to her first. Jonathan pleads his case and embraces the girl. Believing that she loves Jonathan, David accepts defeat. Despairing, miserable he turned to the beach and to his surprise, there in the offing, was a vessel. The rescuers arrive. Believing Jonathan and Joan will be happier alone, he informs the rescuers that he is the sole inhabitant of the island, but on ship-board he changes his view and discloses the truth to the mate. Back in civilization David learns the truth and is happily married to Joan.