Frederik Christensen

A Danish crime drama from 1913.

The man-hungry "vampire," later to be popularized by America's Theda Bara, made her screen debut in this Danish melodrama directed by August Blom. Clara Wieth starred in the title role of the Vampire Dancer, which is just what she was: a dancer performing her seductions on-stage. Off-stage, the young girl is kindhearted and a bit naïve. The lustful dance, during which Robert Dinesen succumbs to the dancer's fatal charms, remained the centerpiece of the film. (imdb)

Of the films that Psilander made at Nordisk during the first two years it is the film Dødsspring til Hest fra Cirkuskuplen (The Great Circus Catastrophe), that is worth noting. Maybe not so much for Psilander's acting, but for the sensational, action-packed storylines that he was in. This film shows the other side of Psilander's fame: his daring. He was an excellent rider and looked fantastic in long riding boots and elegant riding jackets and this skill was exploited in his films.

Students Lind and Beck are on a hiking trip in North Zealand. They enjoy the summer sun, eat apples by the roadside and soon come across the idyllic estate Sølyst, where they fall in love with the estate owner’s two beautiful daughters. Soon, however, dark clouds loom on the horizon: the simple-minded farmer they gave a shilling on the way is in fact an escaped criminal named Black Carl, and he has sinister plans.

Cecil Brown is the manager of a Tea plantation in India. He works hard, drinks heavy and is entertained by the Indian girl Profula. Brown is called back to the London office and looks forward to meet his long-time love Miss Violet. But Profula is not happy. She wants to accompany Brown to London.

Marie, the daughter of a pastor, and major Trolle are young and in love, and they seem destined to become engaged. Everything is coming up roses when a serpent enters this Paradise. Trolle’s close friend, Hoffmann, begins making passes at Marie, and even in the face of consistent rejections he remains tireless in his pursuit. When he assaults Marie one evening, Trolle surprises them and mistakenly thinks they are having an affair.

A young hunter, Leo, gets involved in a feud between a sleazy secretary and the kind-hearted Jennae. The secretary desperately tries to charm Jennae with an expensive piece of jewelry. However, Jennae simply donates it to her cousin before he leaves. When the scorned secretary discovers this, he demands that Jennae wear the piece of jewelry that evening. Leo offers his assistance and promises to return the jewelry. Will he manage to, and what consequences will his heroic deed have?

When Prince Otto is involved in a hunting accident, the game warden’s daughter Ellen becomes his nurse. She falls head over heels in love with him and the infatuation is mutual. But when the prince’s father, the ruler, dies, it turns out that the prince’s heart is bequeathed to someone else. In her deep despair over her lost love, the game warden’s now downhearted daughter knocks on the convent gate.