The Serpent was a 1916 American silent drama film directed by Raoul Walsh and starring Theda Bara.

The film was based on the short story "The Wolf's Claw", by Philip Bartholomae, and its scenario was written by Raoul A.

[2] As described in a film magazine review,[3] after Vania Lazar is betrayed and debauched by Grand Duke Valanoff, she leaves Russia with no thought except to prey upon the sex that has made her what she is.

In one room, she finds Prince Valanoff, the son of her betrayer, and with her wiles she wins his love and then his name.

Not recognizing the new Vania, the Grand Duke responds to her lure, and the son discovers his own father as the betrayer of his happiness.