serials but has less interest for later audiences. A lot of the technology and science demonstrated in the serial soon became out of date or considered mundane. For example, the serial has to explain the concept of fingerprinting in dramatic fashion. Nevertheless, the serial was a success on its release and led to two sequels, The New Exploits of Elaine (1915) and The Romance of Elaine (1915). Cliffhangers Similar to other film serials, each chapter typically closed with a cliffhanger with Elaine in some physical peril or confronted with a shocking revelation. For example, at the close of Chapter 10 Elaine actually dies. She is then brought back to life in the next chapter by Craig Kennedy. Critical reception In the opinion of film critic Stedman, this serial is an improvement on The Perils of Pauline, with better acting, script, and direction. Chapter titles The Clutching Hand The Twilight Sleep The Vanishing Jewels The Frozen Safe The Poisoned Room The Vampire The Double Trap The Hidden Voice The Death Ray The Life Current The Hour of Three The Blood Crystals The Devil Worshippers The Reckoning References External links The Exploits of Elaine essay by Margaret Hennefeld at National Film Registry The Exploits of Elaine essay by Daniel Eagan in America's Film Legacy: The Authoritative Guide to the Landmark Movies in the National Film Registry, A&C Black, 2010 , pages 39 – 40 Reeve, Arthur B. (1915). The Exploits of Elaine; a Detective Novel. New York: Hearst's International Library Company. (via the Internet Archive) 1914 films United States National Film Registry films American black-and-white films American silent serial films Pathé Exchange film serials Films directed by George B. Seitz Films directed by Louis J. Gasnier Films directed by Leopold Wharton Films directed by Theodore Wharton Films with screenplays by Arthur B. Reeve 1910s American films