The Exploits of Elaine

The Exploits of Elaine (1914) is a film serial in the genre of The Perils of Pauline.

The Exploits of Elaine 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 Clutching Hand was the first Mystery villain to appear in film serials. The concept was widely used for the remainder of the format's existence.

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

The film was produced by the Whartons Studios and distributed by Pathé Exchange, the American distribution branch of the French company Pathé at that time. Pathé was the largest film equipment and production company in the world during the first part of the 20th century.

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

The serial, which is extant, has been named to the United States National Film Registry for its cultural and historic importance.