The Dancing Doll

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Dr. Latham, a demented scientist, who believes that life can be artificially created in an inanimate object, is killed while conducting an experiment. His nephew, Felix, a skillful woodcarver, supports himself by selling wooden dolls to the guests at a nearby summer resort. Grown to manhood, Felix becomes engaged to Hilda, a neighbor's daughter. The girl is passionately fond of dancing. Hart, a professional dancer, who is stopping at the hotel, meets the girl. Informing Hilda of the great career which awaits her in the city, Hart induces her to elope with him. His sweetheart's flight drives Felix mad. He fashions a life-sized figure in Hilda's likeness and dresses it in her clothes. Mechanism inside the doll enables it to walk and dance. In the meantime. Hilda, married to Hart, finds him a cad. Following a quarrel, in which the man strikes her, Hilda returns to the mountain. Among his father's books. Felix finds a note in which it is declared that the spark of life can be implanted in a lifeless form by lightning. A violent storm comes up as Hilda approaches the house. A flash of lightning stuns Felix. Hilda, entering, removes the dry clothes from the doll and dons them. When Felix recovers consciousness he sees Hilda and believes her to be his doll come to life. Hilda, realizing Felix's plight, resolves to nurse him back to health. Hart discovers her whereabouts and goes to demand his wife. He enters the house while a storm is raging. Hart is about to seize the girl when a bolt of lightning kills him. Felix's sanity returns and he and Hilda gaze at each other in perfect trust and understanding.