In the untitled synopsis for The Purple Heart of Erlik, Arline Ellis is coerced by Duke Tremayne into stealing a precious purple ruby from Woon Yuen, a Chinese antique merchant. Tremayne threatens to expose Arline for the self-defense killing of a Japanese official if she fails. To infiltrate Woon Yuen’s closely guarded inner chamber, Arline must impersonate Lady Elizabeth Willoughby, an heiress known for her passion for jade.

During her mission, Arline encounters Wild Bill Clanton, an American sailor who takes an interest in her. She proceeds to Woon Yuen’s shop and drugs a man she believes to be Woon Yuen, only to discover that he is a decoy. The real Woon Yuen reveals himself, assaults Arline and sends his men after her. Distraught, Arline considers suicide but is stopped by Clanton, who persuades her to confide in him.

Together they confront Tremayne, but Woon Yuen interrupts them, intent on killing Clanton. Arline’s distraction allows Clanton to shoot Woon Yuen. To cover their escape, Clanton frames Tremayne for the murder, allowing a hatchet man to kill Tremayne in retaliation. Clanton and Arline then flee.