A soldier of near-superhuman strength fights battles in the First World War and wages a private war to rescue a young woman from the castle where she is imprisoned.
During the first advance against Italy by the Austrian troops, Maciste, with many others, is surprised and captured. Maciste, with his wonderful strength, effects the rescue of the prisoners, who take refuge in the castle of an Italian Count. Later Maciste learns that the Count is a prisoner in his own castle and is about to pay the penalty for his patriotic deed. Maciste rallies the Alpine troops and rescues the Count and his family just in time to save the aged nobleman's daughter from the advances of an Austrian officer. The play abounds in displays of strength that seem to verge upon the supernatural.—Moving Picture World synopsis
At the war's beginning Maciste, with his companions, are interned by the Austrian authorities. He overpowers the guards, leading the little band of Italians to a castle near the border. The owner an old Italian nobleman, with his nephew and her sweetheart, gives asylum to the refugees. The Austrians follow. By a spectacular leap, Maciste unseats one of the enemy and rides off pursued by his would-be captors, while his companions escape. The giant warrior fells a horse with his fist and using one Austrian as a human club, routs the entire band. After many thrilling adventures he reaches Italian headquarters and becomes an Alpino. He decides to capture the Austrian captain, Fritz Pluffer, single-handed. Scaling sheer mountain walls and crossing narrow ledges high in the air, Maciste makes the dangerous ascent. Encountering three Austrians, he places one under each arm and the third on his back, proceeding on. Using one for a sled, he drives the other two in team, in this manner making a steep and dangerous descent. In camp he places his prisoners under guard. The slippery Pluffer escapes. Maciste induces his captain to attack the Austrian stronghold. Led by an Alpine guide they scale the mountain heights with men, artillery and supplies. Working hand over hand by ropes up the sheer walls, dangling thousands of feet over gaping space, these scenes are the most inspiring and thrilling war views ever taken and have been preserved in the archives at Rome by the Italian Government. Maciste carries a five-hundred-pound gun carriage on the entire journey. The heights gained, a battle follows. Maciste rescues the old count's nephew. In the castle two officers are fighting a duel for possession of the girl when the Italians attack. Led by Maciste, they storm the castle and the giant hero hurls man after man off the balcony, the Austrians fleeing in terror before the super-human efforts of the battle-crazed warrior. Rushing into the great dining room he encounters the two officers. Seizing a flaming fire brand from the grate he gives battle to the enemy, completely routing the pair. Brandishing the blazing log, he clears the balcony of the invaders. The sweethearts are reunited and mounted on the broad shoulders of Maciste, happily embrace.
