Under the Crescent

In this riveting conflict between East and West, American actress Ola Humphrey, "The Purple Iris," who played herself in the 1915 Universal Pictures dramatization of this, her own true-life story, is charmed by visiting Egyptian prince Ibrahim Tousson (Edward Sloman) and soon marries him. But when she subsequently finds herself a prisoner in his harem, she determines to escape his cruelty with the help of soldier of fortune Stanly Clyde (William C. Dowlan). The violence escalates to an alarming level when with the help of Princess Zohra, mother of the Prince's unacknowledged child, she escapes from the palace and the women and child are pursued by the Prince's private army of soldiers. Originally filmed in six episodes, this serial included perhaps the most violent ending of any chapter play, which remains shocking to this day. Photoplay edition with 64 original stills from the serial in their proper place opposite corresponding text.