Friendly Enemies

Karl Pfeiffer, a New York City brewer and native German, openly opposes President Wilson's plan to send troops to Europe. He fears the war could destroy his birthplace and his way of life. His stand sets the tone for the family's turmoil as national politics collide with personal loyalties.

The saboteur Anton Miller meets Karl, posing as a propaganda expert named George Stewart, and persuades him to donate $50,000 to the antiwar cause. Miller hints at a larger moral victory and suggests the money will help influence public opinion. The check is arranged to be ready for pickup the next day at Karl's home in Manhattan.

Karl attends a dinner in honor of Henry Block, father of June, who is about to marry Karl's son. The political views clash between Karl and Henry, sparking arguments that reveal the household's fault lines. Karl's temper becomes evident, foreshadowing family tensions.

The rest of the family hides the fact that Karl's son William has joined the Army. The secrecy creates strain as Karl clings to his antiwar stance. The revelation is a ticking time bomb that fuels the drama.

Karl is told about William's enlistment during the dinner, and his reaction is explosive, reflecting his stubborn temper. He leaves the apartment in anger, vowing to persuade his son to reconsider. The emotional blow deepens the rift within the family.

Miller learns that Henry Block is wealthy and soon to be related to Karl, and he wants to arrange a meeting to exploit that connection. His true motive is to keep manipulating Karl while advancing his saboteur scheme. The seed of the conspiracy grows as Miller schemes.

William Pfeiffer chooses to fight in the war and boards a military transport ship from New York Harbor. His resolve to serve stands in stark contrast to his father's antiwar stance. The family remains uncertain about his safety as the voyage begins.

On the voyage, the transport ship is sunk by saboteurs, devastating the family. Karl receives a message from Miller claiming the money he donated was well spent, a cruel twist of irony. The tragedy forces Karl to confront the consequences of believing a fraud.

Realizing his mistake, Karl decides to avenge his son's death by killing Miller. Henry Block comes to his aid, offering a pragmatic alternative to violence. Together they shift from revenge to a plan for exposing Miller's saboteur identity.

Karl and Henry devise a scheme to reveal Miller's true identity. They arrange a confrontation that forces Miller to disclose who he really is. The plan culminates with Miller's arrest by the police.

It turns out William was not killed in the sinking. He comes home to reunite with his wife and family, bringing relief after the nightmare. The family begins to heal as they adjust to the new reality.

Having learned a hard lesson, Karl gives up his political crusade and embraces his role as a caring family man. He becomes a true American patriot, symbolized by singing 'My country 'tis of thee' with his family. The film closes with a note of unity and reconciliation.