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  • The Claws of Greed (1914)
  • Short | Short
The Claws of Greed (1914)
Short | Short

While studying music abroad, Julien Delmore meets music-hall singer Lucetta and, believing that his love is returned, marries her. The act does not surprise his friends, who call him "Mad Delmore" because of his many impulsive acts; but ...See moreWhile studying music abroad, Julien Delmore meets music-hall singer Lucetta and, believing that his love is returned, marries her. The act does not surprise his friends, who call him "Mad Delmore" because of his many impulsive acts; but his wealthy, aristocratic widowed mother is displeased, and when he brings his bride home, she receives her coldly. Lucetta, in reality an adventuress, manages to introduce Carlos, a fugitive from Europe and the chief of the Black Nine Gang, as her brother, a Count. Julien, again acting under impulse, adopts Leila, a little street musician. Jacopo and Madalena, her supposed uncle and aunt, reluctantly consent for a sum of money. The plans of Lucetta and Carlos are discovered, largely due to Leila, and Julien disillusioned, orders Lucetta from his house. Julien, his mother, and Leila go abroad. Leila grows to womanhood and becomes famous in the musical and social world. Besieged by suitors, she loves Julien only. Realizing the hopelessness of their love, Julien still being the husband of Lucetta, she obeys the dictates of conscience and determines to leave home secretly. On the eve of her departure she receives a note from Madalena, bidding her come to her before she dies. Upon entering Jacopo's house, Leila finds herself a prisoner. Jacopo has read in a newspaper that the Marquis di Rubini, whose daughter was stolen by a steward of her household years before, has obtained clews leading to America and offers a reward for information. Jacopo is in fact the Stewart and Leila the kidnapped child. Meanwhile, the Black Nine, disbanded for a time, have assumed activities. Battisti, the hunchback artisan and bomb maker, mocked for his deformity and the butt of the gang's practical jokes, burns to punish his tormentors. Carlos long cherishing his anger against Julien, lures him to the gang's headquarters. Leila, imprisoned, sees Julien's capture. By Carlo's order, Julien is flung through a trap door into a rushing sluiceway. Battista betrays the gang to the police, but returns to the gang to avoid suspicion. One of the gang reports Battista's treachery. Battista denounced by the gang threatens them with a bomb. Carlos draws a revolver. Battista throws the bomb and wrecks the house. Carlos and Lucetta are killed and Jacopo fatally injured. Leila escapes and helps the police to find and rescue Julien. Jacopo confesses and sends a note to the Marquise, which brings about the reunion of mother and daughter. The future happiness of Julien and Leila is assured. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Edit Released
Updated Apr 5, 1914

Release date
Apr 5, 1914 (United States)

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