The Guerrillas of Algiers; or, The Mosque in the Desert - Production & Contact Info

The Guerrillas of Algiers; or, The Mosque in the Desert (1913)
Short | Short, Thriller, War

Primary photo for The Guerrillas of Algiers; or, The Mosque in the Desert

The Guerrillas of Algiers; or, The Mosque in the Desert (1913)

Short | Short, Thriller, War

The conquest of Algeria drags. Peace negotiations are slow. The Emir delegates Ben Thamy, one of his Khalifs, to communicate with the French general, Bugeaud, who, on his side, orders Colonel de Soumieges to go ahead and meet him. The ...See moreThe conquest of Algeria drags. Peace negotiations are slow. The Emir delegates Ben Thamy, one of his Khalifs, to communicate with the French general, Bugeaud, who, on his side, orders Colonel de Soumieges to go ahead and meet him. The colonel writes a letter to his son: "My dear Philippe, While fighting, I am looking for the treasure which was donated to our ancestors by the Emir Abd Allah. You are young, vigorous and have a full command of Arabic. Should I succumb, you will have to take up my task. The Marabout who detains that fortune lives in a mosque bearing on its front the arms of the 'des Soumieges.' He owes us assistance and protection. Your father, Colonel de Soumieges." General Bugeaud bids him a fond farewell. He was never seen again. A year later, Phillippe, with the 6th regiment, embarks aboard the "Ville de Marseille." A strong friendship springs up between him and a young fellow named John and Corporal Piton. They enter a Moorish café and are surrounded by Arabs. Suddenly Phillippe sees that a plot is on foot and the plotters are his father's assassins. They pounce upon the Arabs and capture one. He is recognized as Ben Thamy, the celebrated rebel chief. Jean is sentry in front of Ben Thamy's prison, but charmed by Ben Thamy's pretty accomplice, Aicha, he allows the former to escape. Ben Thamy prepares a fresh war against the "Roumis" (foreigners). The girl follows the master she has saved, but tired of his brutalities, now hates him. Ahmed-el-Hadju defends Constantine, besieged by the French. A host of Arabs attack the French army under the walls of the city. At sight of a few men, the Arabs charge; the French line is broken. They form a square and await the enemy. Valiant Chaugarmiere, Phillippe's squadron, attacks the Arabs and routs them. Ben Thamy takes refuge in Constantine. The assailants are victorious. Our three heroes, Phillippe de Soumieges, Jean and Piton are taken prisoners by Ben Thamy. Bound to camels, they tramp wearily the burning desert. Charmed by Phillippe's fine bearing, Aicha frees them. Ben Thamy takes them at the gate of a mosque. The old Marabout in charge of the mosque, when he notices on Phillippe's finger a ring bearing the crest of the de Soumieges, gives them hospitality despite the threats of Ben Thamy, to whom he reads the following writing on parchment: "By reason of service rendered by the family of Soumieges to the Arabs in 1627, all the members of that family are entitled to shelter and protection within this mosque, and Marabouts owe them assistance. Abd-Allah." The Marabout shows Ben Thamy the coat of arms of de Soumieges engraved on the stone above the door of the mosque. Ben Thamy vengefully retires. Phillippe recalls his father's letter and inquires from the Marabout if it is not he who detains the treasure of his ancestors. The old Arab leads him in a cavern, where an incredible amount of riches is gathered. "When peace is concluded, you can take possession of them," he says. Phillippe bears away with him a finely chiseled casket filled with ancient gems given him by the Marabout. Ben Thamy obtains the abrogation of the edict signed by Abd-Allah and demands the surrender of the three. Phillippe is retaken by Ben Thamy. A man is brought in the tent. Phillippe recognizes his father. They embrace. They are about to be beheaded when a company of Zouaves, headed by John, rescue them. Colonel de Soumieges kills Ben Thamy. General Bugeaud meets again his old friend, Soumieges, congratulates him on his fortunate rescue and rewards his liberators. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less