The Exploits of Elaine

The Exploits of Elaine is a 1914 film serial in the genre of The Perils of Pauline, and even outgrossing that serial in ticket sales. It tells the story of a young woman named Elaine who, with the help of a detective, tries to find the man, known only as "The Clutching Hand", who murdered her father.

The serial stars Pearl White (who also starred in The Perils of Pauline), Arnold Daly , Sheldon Lewis , Creighton Hale and Riley Hatch . Lionel Barrymore had a small role.

It was written by Charles W. Goddard, Arthur B. Reeve (story) and George B. Seitz. It was directed by Louis J. Gasnier , Seitz and Leopold Wharton .

The Exploits of Elaine was followed in 1915 by The New Exploits of Elaine .

There were fourteen episodes:

1. The Clutching Hand
2. The Twilight Sleep
3. The Vanishing Jewels
4. The Frozen Safe
5. The Poisoned Room
6. The Vampire
7. The Double Trap
8. The Hidden Voice
9. The Death Ray
10. The Life Current
11. The Hour of Three
12. The Blood Crystals
13. The Devil Worshippers
14. The Reckoning

The serial has been selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.