When Men Desire is a 1919 American silent drama film directed by J. Gordon Edwards and starring Theda Bara.

[1] As described in a film magazine review,[2] after the United States declares war on Germany in 1917, American citizens within Germany like Marie Lohr (Bara), who was visiting her uncle Professor Lohr (Elkas) in Strassburg, hastily attempt to obtain passports and leave the county.

She escapes one hazardous situation when Stedman, during a mission, happens to drop a bomb on a house and apparently kills the German officer.

Marie stabs and kills Voh Rohn, and the two patriots escape after Robert dons the officer's uniform.

At this point in her career, members of the public either wanted to see Bara or, because of a deep seated prejudice resulting from her prior roles portraying a vamp, refused to go to any of her films.