In a 16th-century European town, the ruling family has been given a prophecy that, should there ever be twin boys born, the younger will murder the older; so is dismayed when twins are born to the popular baron. The older grows to be a selfish, slovenly man, who inherits the castle at his father's death and becomes ruler over the formerly happy villagers. He enjoys his power until he learns his younger brother is returning from abroad and, afraid of the prophecy, he determines to murder his sibling, hide his body in the "black room" - an old torture chamber sealed away behind the fireplace - and then impersonate him, right down to his withered arm. In this way he hopes to not only avoid the prophecy, but also escape consequences of his other criminal deeds and obtain marriage to a local girl of the nobility...

White hunter Captain Fry tries to take Tarzan back to civilization, caged for public display. He arrives in the jungle with Jane's cousins, Eric and Rita, who want Jane's help in claiming a fortune left her.

A blackmailer tries to stop a woman from revealing evidence that could save a condemned man.

A trustworthy captain is reduced in rank so that the owner's daughter's fiancé may take charge.

A young man journeys from a difficult childhood to maturity, exploring social injustice, personal development, and the complexities of human relationships.

Fly-by-night stage producer Bob Grant inadvertently saves the life of small-towner Thomas Maxwell. The grateful Maxwell invites Grant to move in with his family, which he does, rapidly wearing out his welcome. Finally booted out of the Maxwell household, Grant takes Tom's homely but sweet-voiced daughter Dora with him, giving her a cosmetic makeover and turning her into a big star -- and thereby repaying his host's kindness in a most roundabout fashion.