The Mystery of the Sleeping Death (1914)

• 63%
• 1914
• Drama
• Kenean Buel
• Alice Joyce
• Tom Moore
• Bob Walker

Lizzie, known as "the best little safe-cracker in town," burglarizes the home of Harrison, a young millionaire. Harrison discovers the girl at work, but generously allows her to escape. An hour later, Lizzie is found unconscious on the street. Harrison's butler finds him in the same condition. Millionaire and thief are rushed to the hospital. All efforts to revive the two go for naught; as a last resort the surgeons send for Amar, an Oriental Mystic and hypnotist. The man hears Harrison and Lizzie utter some words in their trance. He recognizes the language as that of his own race. It causes Amar to relate an ancient legend of India to the physicians. Thousands of years previous. Afgah and his beautiful daughter Lola, dwelt in India. Gunga, a man of wealth, sought to marry Lola, but she was secretly in love with Dano, a fair-skinned slave. Kahdin, a wicked High Priest, also loved Lola, but the girl spurned his advances. The High Priest thereupon swore to be revenged. Lola's love for Dano was discovered. The slave was severely punished, while the girl was informed she must wed Gunga immediately. Lola and Dano fled, however, but were pursued and captured. In accordance with the ancient law, they were brought before the High Priest. His opportunity for revenge at hand, Kahdin cursed them with the curse of the "Sleeping Death," causing the lovers to fall into a death-like trance. Once in every century, however, the spirit of each was to leave the sleeping body, and meeting, recognize the other. Harrison and Lizzie revive as Amar finishes his tale. The two gaze at each other. Slowly Lizzie comes to Harrison's arms, faltering, "It seems as though I have known you always for years and years.