The Rajah's Diamond Rose (1913)

The theme centers about a peculiar method of blackmail practiced by Count Seroff, an apparently wealthy and influential Parisian. The count owns a magnificent diamond rose, which, he claims, was given him in reward for a service performed by an East Indian Rajah. The count keeps the diamond in an oddly-shaped cabinet, which, at the pressing of a spring, easily opens up. Invariably, after heavy gambling losses, the count takes his young acquaintances to his home and manages to leave them alone with the famous diamond. Temptation comes, the spring is pressed, and suddenly a blinding flash reveals a hidden camera. The count, thoroughly scandalized, then offers to sell the negative for a heavy price, that he may give the proceeds to "charity." Around a story of such splendid possibilities, Eclipse has produced a beautiful two-reel subject. A sweetheart of a girl whose brother was blackmailed by the count, promises to marry the young man provided he will steal the count's diamond. This he does, blindly, getting himself into many difficulties for love's sake.