Ein Ausgestoßener, 1. Teil (1913)

The plot is quite complex and unfolds in high society. Robert Lambard, the son of a respected Parisian banker, seduces Marguerite Walser, the sister of Guy Walser, a diligent authorized signatory employed by Robert’s father. In those days, especially in high society, such an act naturally had social consequences. After learning of the affair, Guy gives young Lambard an ultimatum: he must marry his sister to restore her “sullied” honor. But Lambard merely laughs and brusquely rejects the demand. Since Monsieur Walser places his family’s honor, and his sister’s, above everything else, a violent argument ensues, during which Guy promptly kills the “violator of Marguerite’s honor.” Guy’s own life is now ruined too: he is put on trial for the killing. He is convicted, and Guy Walser must serve ten years behind bars for manslaughter. The sentence includes deportation. For seven years, Walser lives as a convict in a penal colony in the middle of nowhere, an outcast. After being pardoned early—with three years remitted—Guy Walser returns to Paris. There, the kindness he showed others during his brutal imprisonment is amply rewarded. A fellow prisoner, Count Vilvain, whom he had helped during deportation, has left him the considerable fortune of 3,465,607 francs! Walser leaves Paris and ends up in Transylvania. There he falls in love with the youthful and enchanting Lucienne Rameau, the daughter of a wealthy landowner. But he is not alone in seeking the young woman’s affection: a cunning and treacherous count named de Greuze is his fiercest rival, and he does not shy away from underhanded tactics. A fierce, rampaging bear also keeps events in motion and creates all sorts of dangers until it is killed. At last, Lucienne falls into Guy’s arms and gets engaged to him.