The Alien

Paolo, a skilled mechanic in a modler's factory in Italy, defends his friend Brocco, when the latter is discharged and incurs the foreman's enmity. The treacherous Brocco steals an empty six-pound shell, which Paolo treasures as a relic of the war, and makes a bomb, with which he wrecks the modler's factory. A piece of the bomb which bears Paola's name is found and on this evidence the innocent man is sent to prison for five years.

Directed by Robert G. Vignola, The Alien leans on a strong ensemble — Robert G. Vignola, Alice Hollister, James B. Ross — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1913.