Jeffrey Hartmann

Long before he was the subject of a Walt Disney TV miniseries, Revolutionary-era guerilla leader Francis Marion, aka the Swamp Fox, was the "star" of this three-reel Kalem costume drama. The first part of the film ends as Marion and his followers capture English general Gates right from under the noses of the "Redcoats." The closing scenes find Marion and company emerging victorious from a battle between the British and the Colonials at the DeMotte farm.

Marauding Cherokees attack the cabin of Jacques Videau, at the edge of the settlement. One of the pioneers witnesses the attack and rides for help. He notifies Francis Marion. The latter heads the settlers who go to the rescue. The Indians set Videau's home afire. The family rush out into the open to escape from the flames. All are promptly slain by the savages, with the exception of Mary, Videau's ten-year-old daughter. The chief of the Cherokees makes her his prisoner. The arrival of the settlers causes the Indians to retreat. Later, they ambush the pioneers. A terrific hand-to-hand battle takes place. Marion's heroism inspires the settlers to victory. The young leader rescues Mary from the Indians. His heart filled with pity for the poor, homeless orphan, Marion offers her a home with his sister, Mrs. Sharp. Mary becomes one of the family. Ten years later, Marion, now a Provincial Congressman, returns home to find that Mary has grown into glorious womanhood. He falls in love with her, but because circumstances seem to indicate that Gabriel, his nephew, and Mary are in love with each other, he conceals his affection. Balfour, a young Tory, also loves the girl. Gabriel comes upon him in the act of forcing his attentions upon Mary and fells him. A duel ensues. Attracted to the scene, Marion interferes. Balfour's taunts cause Marion to take Gabriel's place. He disarms the Tory and orders him off. News of Cornwallis's landing at Charleston is brought to Marion. He immediately organizes a body of partisan troops. They adopt the first American flag, the famous rattlesnake design with the words, "Don't tread on me," underneath. Marion offers the services of his men to General Gates, but that arrogant officer, styling the sturdy farmers as a band of vagabonds, declines to enlist them. At the same time, Balfour organizes a band of Tories to ravage the patriots' homes. General Marion and his men become a thorn in the side of the British. The Continentals learn that a British force will shortly pass near their rendezvous at Snow Island. Sallying forth, they ambush the English and capture the entire force. Marion also learns that Gates has been defeated by the British and is being held prisoner at the red coat encampment, some miles away. Dashing into the midst of the British with his force, he throws them into panic and rescues the Continental officer. Returning to his camp in the swamp, the "Swamp Fox" invites his captives to dinner. To their amazement, the English officers learn that the meal consists solely of baked potatoes served on a pine chip. Cornwallis sends Colonel Tarleton, known as "The Butcher," to capture "The Swamp Fox." Balfour offers to aid Tarleton to capture Marion's home and camp. A friendly innkeeper hastens to the Marion home and warns Mrs. Sharp of the British approach. Mrs. Sharp, her daughter and Mary flee to the home of Mrs. Motte for shelter. In his anger at finding his quarry flown, Tarleton vandalizes the house. The man then hastens to Marion's camp with his soldiers, but warned, the "Swamp Fox" makes his escape. Tarleton proceeds to Mrs. Motte's home, where he makes his headquarters after driving the inmates, with the exception of Mary, forth. At Balfour's behest, Tarleton charges the girl with being a dangerous spy. Marion learns of Mary's imprisonment. Furious, he determines to attack Tarleton. Just at this time, he receives a small cannon as a gift from General Washington. The "Swamp Fox" surrounds the Motte home. Unaware that the ladies have been driven forth, he sends Gabriel forward with a flag of truce, requesting Tarleton to remove Mrs. Motte, his sister and children before he commences the attack. The little cannon bravely answers the fire of the heavy British artillery. Unaware that Mary is a prisoner in the house, Marion has one of his men set the place afire with burning arrows. Balfour sees that the Continentals will prove victorious. Entering the room in which Mary is confined, he tells her of his intention to kill her. Just at this moment, Marion and his men sweep the British before them in a desperate charge. Balfour is just about to slay Mary, when Marion and his men burst into the room. One of the men shoots as Balfour raises his pistol. The Tory falls dead. Two months later, the surrender of Cornwallis clears the south of the British. Marion writes his sister that he is about to return. Mary hears the news with delight. Marion comes home. Believing that Mary was in love with Gabriel, he strives to express his sympathy for her bereavement. To his intense surprise, Mary throws her arms about his neck. Knowing him too diffident to propose, the girl pops the question. For a moment the "Swamp Fox" is taken back. Then, filled with delight, he seizes her in his arms.