Original subtitles

The Mysterious Club

Director: Joseph Delmont

Eiko-Film GmbH, Berlin Germany 1913

The original German title cards aren't extant. They have been back-translated from Dutch

from a copy preserved by the Netherlands Film Museum. We thank the

Netherlands Film Museum, Amsterdam. Deutsche Kinemathek, Berlin, 1994

The Mysterious Club. First Act.

Main roles: Gerhard Bern ... Fred Sauer

Ilse Verstraaten ... Ilse Bois van Geldern ... Joseph Delmont

A sad message.

Dear friend, I am sorry to inform you that your brother Brunno committed

suicide. The only motive can be his membership in a mysterious club.

I await your reply.

Gerhard decides to travel to Rotterdam with a detective

to find out why his brother committed suicide.

"Contact my friend, the consul Verstraaten, he will be helpful for you in many ways."

In Rotterdam.

At consul Verstraaten's.

On investigation.

We receive again report about an mysterious suicide. In Rotterdam,

as in the case of last week, a member of the high society

commited suicide without apparent reason. The police has...

Gerhard learns, that all of the mysterious suicide victims had heavy life insurances,

and decides to investigate with the detective at the life insurance agencies.

On the trail.

Gerhard learns, that his brother's life was heavily insured for the

benefit of an unknown person.

"I will inform you as soon as the insurance gets claimed."

Gerhard reports what he has found out.

...and we told this gentleman that we keep the amount,

with which your brother's life was insured, ready by

tomorrow (that is today) at 10 o'clock. Don't miss it...

The mysterious Van Geldern.

Gerhard knows how to acquaint himself with van Geldern.

Young happiness.

"I allowed myself to invite van Geldern for today - in order to better observe him."

"I think you are mistaken, dear Gerhard.

Mr. van Geldern doesn't seem to be a bad person."

"We must try to find the clubhouse."

On the search.

In the shadows of the night.

Dear Ilse, I am on G.'s trail and hope, that I will soon have

proof, that my suspicion was correct. Gerhard

End of the First Act.

The Mysterious Club. Second Act.

Rivals.

...the police was again unable to detect even the smallest trace

in this gloomy affair. Further details on the motives...

Gerhard visits van Geldern in his home to lure him into a trap.

"We don't want to put on an act, Mr. van Geldern.

Miss Ilse seems to be more fond of you than of me."

"Become a member of our club, Mr. Bern."

In Scheveningen.

Dear Sir, According to your wish I have the honour to invite you

to a meeting on this evening. v.G.

Telegram: Ilse Verstraaten. Beach Hotel. Scheveningen.

Suspicion gets stronger. I'm in the club today. Gerhard

Dear parents, Gerhard is in danger.

I will try to save him with the help of a detective. Ilse.

The mysterious club.

Ilse and the detective set off to the clubhouse.

"This is the Suicide Club. Every Friday we gamble for our lives.

The one who pulls the Ace of Spades must leave this world.

As a member you have to insure your life to the benefit of the club.

Interested? Then I will help you."

The key moment.

A new victim.

"Since unfortunately fate has chosen you, you must fulfill your

obligation according to your pledge."

End of the Second Act.

The Mysterious Club. Third Act.

A saving thought.

Consul Verstraaten informs the port police.

The pursuers take a faster boat.

Because of an engine damage, Ilse has a chance to escape.

In the hands of the police.

The End