The Master of Death (1913)

Col. Von Hoff holds a reception, at which Captain Bassenheim is present. Bassenheim makes a slurring remark against Mrs. Von Hoff, which is overheard by the Colonel and his son, Peter, a young lieutenant ant. Bassenheim is called to account and offers an explanation which satisfies the Colonel, but which Peter does not believe. The Captain is insulted when Peter refuses to shake hands. Later, at the Officers' Riding School, Bassenheim again incurs Peter's dislike by lashing his horse each time he passes. Unable to control himself, Peter runs Bassenheim down with his horse. He is dismissed from the army. Colonel Von Hoff feels his son has disgraced him and resigns from the army. Peter is cast off by his parent. Peter determines to go to America. On the massive ocean liner he stokes to pay his passage. Arriving in America without funds, and unsuccessful in finding employment, he becomes despondent. He is intercepted from committing suicide by John Smith, an inventor, who persuades him to become the performer of a dangerous leap, known as the "Death Curve." Peter successfully performs the feat before the reporters at a private rehearsal. His fame spreads; he becomes the star of a circus in Berlin, and is known as "The Master of Death." He visits his mother, telling her he is the representative of an American shoe manufacturer. While at his old home Ada Merta, a former sweetheart, now married, calls. It takes only a short time to rekindle the old love. Later they decide to elope. Peter tells his mother he has been recalled by his firm, and bids her goodbye. He resigns from the circus, and his last appearance is to be the following day. Ada becomes conscience stricken and refuses to go with Peter. Next day he goes to perform his farewell leap. His thoughts wander; he takes the leap, makes a wrong turn; his body rushes through space, and the performance, indeed, proves to be the last of "The Master of Death."