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- DirectorMario CaseriniEleuterio RodolfiStarsFernanda Negri PougetEugenia Tettoni FiorUbaldo StefaniTwo love triangles intersect in ancient Pompei.
- DirectorEnrico GuazzoniStarsAmleto NovelliGustavo SerenaCarlo CattaneoAn epic Italian film, "Quo Vadis" influenced many of the later movies.
- DirectorGiovanni Enrico VidaliStarsMario Guaita-AusoniaCristina RuspoliEnrico BracciSpartacus sold as a slave rises up and battles the evil Crassus.
- DirectorEnrico GuazzoniStarsGianna Terribili-GonzalesAmleto NovelliIgnazio LupiAfter the murder of her lover Julius Caesar, Egypt's queen Cleopatra needs a new ally. She seduces his probable successor Mark Antony. This develops into real love and slowly leads to a war with the other possible successor, Octavius.
- DirectorNino OxiliaStarsMaria JacobiniMario MarianiDillo LombardiEmperor Maximian, having married his daughter, Fausta, to Constantine, renounced the purple and went into retirement, but the enforced idleness and his desire for power and action, induced him to again resume the imperial power. In the field near Lodi, where the oath of allegiance of the army has been received, Maximian begins his triumphant return, and we see him again amid the people crowding the streets, impatient to see him again. He enters the imperial court where Constance, a sister of Constantine, and Licinius, the young Caesar of Illyrium, and Fausta are waiting the arrival of their august relation. The love affair between Constance and Licinius is discovered by Fausta, who has instructions to prevent this alliance from being consummated, as Maximian himself has set his heart on winning Constance. As soon as he enters the palace, and the tumult of greetings cease, he goes into the ladies' room and, dismissing Fausta with a sign, is left alone with Constance, whom he tries to win through flattery, but she refuses him. She goes secretly to St. Maternus and listens to his inspiring words, receiving the right of Christian baptism from his hands. Fausta, having followed Constance, sees all and hastens to tell her father of her discovery. Maximian orders a banquet in the hope that the allurements of pleasure will break down the stubborn defense of Constance. Even this fails, for Constance does not even go near the banqueting room. Maximian then calls together the pagan priests; he annuls his decree, giving tolerance to Christianity. Thousands of confessors of Christ will fall. Constance alone, by giving herself up, will be able to appease the bloody sword of the persecutor. He forces the young neophyte, Constance, to be present at the gladiatorial games. A populace present at the games at the hecatomb of martyrs. The heart of the young Christian girl undergoes a terrible martyrdom, but the bravery of these martyrs gives the girl the firmness that only faith can produce. Maximian, again failing in his attempt to win Constance, tries again, and goes to the field of Lodi and, summoning the army, he orders incense to be thrown upon the pagan tripod. Here again Christian heroes give up their lives to their faith, their bodies are carried in chariots before the imperial seat, before the eyes of Fausta and Constance. Realizing that there is no peace in the court of Maximian for her, she, with her companions, mount their horses and rush to the Court of Constantine. Here exists no bacchanalian orgy, but the sweet calm of virtue. Constantine, amid the lowly, the oppressed and the poor, does his work of upright government. Constance tells her powerful brother all of the horrible plots in which she has been involved and the terrors she has seen. In the meantime, Maximian and Fausta plot the death of Constantine and send the corrupt centurian, Elvius Brutus, to execute the treasonable deed. Through a trick, this design is frustrated, but Brutus is led to believe that his work has been carried out and he tells Maximian, who comes before the gallis coharts, exclaiming: "Constantine is dead. I am your emperor!" "Constantine is living!" interrupts a powerful voice, and the austere monarch appears among a crowd of faithful followers. Maximian is put to death and Fausta, fearing the penalty for her part in the plot, rushes word to her brother, Maxentius, in Rome, who declared war on Constantine. Gathering his coharts together, Constantine crosses the snowy Alps and carries the war into Italy. As day is declining, Constantine, unable to rest, paces to and fro between the tents when, at last, his eyes catch sight of something dazzling in the direction of the sun. He sees a splendid cross in the blue heaven in all its glory, with the inscription: "In Hoc Signo Vincis," but the Emperor, not comprehending the meaning of this sign, was further instructed in the clear night where a vision of the Lord Himself appeared, telling him: "By this sign you will conquer," and directing him to engrave the Holy Cross on his shields. The army resumes its march toward Rome, exulting at the miracle. Meeting the army of Maxentius on the Banks of the Tiber, the battle wages fiercely for hours, but eventually, the followers of Maxentius are put to rout and retreat across the Tiber on bridges made of boats, which give way, carrying Maxentius and his men to their death. Having made his triumphal entry into Rome, the first thought of Constantine is to pay homage to the chief of Christianity, Pontifex St. Melchiades. He prostrates himself at his feet, together with the dutiful Constance and promises to give Christianity free liberty and, as a token of filial reverence, gives the magnificent palace of the Lateran, to be the mother church of all the churches of the world. We see Constantine in his triumphant dress in the same imperial hall where the last bloody persecution had begun. Licinius hastens to Milan to joint his beloved Constance, and has signed the decree giving full liberty to Christianity. He is flanked by a victorious host and looks at the people crowded and acclaiming while the herald reads the imperial messages, "We, Constantine and Licinius Augustus, being at Milan to make joint treaties concerning the welfare and security of our people amongst the things which we deem enhancing the prosperity of our subjects, we specially give importance to those that have reference to the homage due to the Divinity and thus we have given to the Christians and to all citizens of the Roman people the liberty to follow the form of faith which each one may severally prefer." The forum is deserted, the darkness of night prevails and Constantine is alone in his hall lighted up by the soft rays falling from a lamp; he holds in his hands a little tablet containing the decree and is meditating. A few lines contain the history of the world. He closes his eyes and before his mind appears in review the facts which led Christianity to victory after so many centuries of bloodshed. Footsteps awaken the Emperor. Constance and Licinius, with their arms interlocked, enter. Constantine sees and smiles. In the triumph of faith and justice, innocent love also has its victory.
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleGiovanni Enrico VidaliStarsCristina RuspoliLuigi MeleGiovanni Enrico VidaliBased on the Edward Bulwer-Lytton novel. Set in the shadows of Mt. Vesuvius just before its famous eruption.
- StarsItalia Almirante-ManziniAmerigo ManziniAlex BernardCountess Lilian, bored and wearied with the dull monotony of her empty society life, seeks relief and recreation in the saddle upon her famous mount, Phosphorus. To win a wager, she rides this temperamental steed along the parapet of a high bridge, before crowds, who, awe-struck, see her dally with death. A misstep by the horse and she would have crashed earthward several hundred feet below. Albert Mariam sees the daring deed, and struck by her daring, contrives to meet her. Falling in love with each other, they marry. Soon after, Mariam's mining stocks become worthless. Ruin confronts him. To save their honest name, the Countess becomes a circus rider, contracting to perform an act in which the previous rider had been killed. The act is a big success, her horse walking up a spiral construction and being suspended in mid-air upon a swinging bridge, with Lilian in the saddle. Inconstant Albert becomes enamored of Lottie, a pretty tight-rope walker, and Lilian is neglected. Although suffering keenly, she perforce is obliged to adhere to her contract. One night she is called, and mounting her horse, does clever equestrian tricks. A host of clowns tumble into the ring and "assist" in the erection of the apparatus for the big event. Amid thrilling suspense the horse traverses the narrow planking, and after the heavy spiral climb, reaches the bridge. Then follows the flare and flash of the fireworks, the horse unmoved in their midst. The daring rider is about to end the act when she sees her husband and her rival in a stage box. Unnerved, despairing, she and the horse, with a sickening crash, fall to the tanbark floor. A rush to help the unconscious woman is headed by Albert, who forgets his butterfly passion for Lottie. Lilian is not beyond recovery, and some months later is convalescent. Albert, now a devoted husband, brings a flush of happiness to the pale cheek of the injured woman when he rushes in to tell her that gold having been discovered in the so-thought worthless mines, that he and she will have wealth to grace their reunited love.
- DirectorRoberto RobertiStarsAntonietta CalderariFrederico ElveziSignor GrecoIn Bombay, Count Adolphe elopes with Vasca, although engaged to a lady in Rome. In that city two years later the Roman lady's father hears of Adolphe's wife and child. He sets the Black League to work. As a result, the young wife is met by death. The baby daughter is abandoned. The deed is committed by Michael, a confidential servant of the Roman lady. Adolphe eventually marries the Roman lady and Michael becomes their butler. Twenty years later Adolphe, now the Duke of Torini, for the first time receives news of his daughter. He sends his secretary to Bombay to fetch her. The young couple falls in love. The mind of Michael is unhinged by the sight of the young lady, and in his temporary insanity he tells the Duke where the proofs of his crime are to be found. The Duke finds the papers, sends them to his secretary, Genovo, makes his will in favor of his daughter, Zania, and dies of heart disease. Michael, having no knowledge of what he said or did in his delirium, thinks the proofs have been taken by Zania. The father of the duchess is compromised by the missing papers, so Michael confides in her. They seek the help of the Black League. Zania cannot give up the papers she has not got. She is kidnapped and taken to the Tower of Terror. Then next morning Genovo, her lover, sets out to rescue her. He discovers where she is and has a terrific fight with her jailer. In the struggle a lantern is upset, and the place set on fire, and the jailer meets his death. Genovo reaches his sweetheart, but escape is cut off by the fire. They get free by climbing down a tower over 200 feet high, the most sensational feat ever shown in a film. The Duchess and Michael arrive at the Tower of Terror just as the fire reaches some powder barrels, and the guilty couple are blown to bits.
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsUbaldo Maria Del ColleDillo LombardiAdriana CostamagnaPetroff Sementick, a Russian nobleman, becomes ruined financially. His creditors seize all his property and the man becomes a wanderer. He continues this precarious existence until one day he rescues a man from under the wreckage of his turnout. It transpires to be Prince Dimitrieff. In a sudden burst of thankfulness for his deliverance, the Prince retains Sementick as overseer of the palace. Each day's experience drives home to him what a bitter thing it is to eat the bread of others. The great possessions of Princess Sonia only mock her, for the Prince, a man of overbearing vanity, seeks tribute to it in new smiles. Tatiana Leontieff, the Russian imperial Dancer, is his latest conquest. While he basks in the warmth of her calculating smiles, the Princess Sonia wanders alone and forgotten through the palace grounds. Her steps are stayed by the sound of piercingly sweet strains, and thus commences the friendship between the Princess and her vassal which is fostered by their loneliness into a deep love. Tatiana Leontieff tires of her Dimitrieff. A younger noble engages her attention. This noble and the Prince engage in a duel over the dancer. Dimitrieff's life pays the price of his vagrant affections. He closes his eyes on this world in Sonia's presence. She is overwhelmed by grief. Twenty years have passed. Petroff Sementick has degenerated into a simple fellow who is the laughing stock of all. His Princess Sonia had died abroad, leaving a daughter. Sementick, faithful to the memory of his Princess, surrounds her portrait with fragrant flowers each day. Sementick is excited over word that the Princess Olga, Sonia's daughter, is coming with her husband to reside in the palace. Sementick's anguish is terrible to behold. He cannot bear the thought that his daughter will see her father jeered at and a spectacle for all to scorn. But an overwhelming hunger to behold her keeps him from fleeing. The Princess and her husband arrive and accept the rustic entertainment arranged in their honor. Sementick, called upon to do his share, pours forth his heart in the old songs that won the Princess Sonia. Follows a dinner at the palace to a company of notables. After the repast Sementick is called upon to divert them. They ply him with drink, then crown the maudlin with the fool's cap, pelting him with the flowers that decorate Sonia's portrait. At this desecration of his beloved Princess, he regains a terrible lucidity and shouts aloud the secret of his life to the assembled guests. All are shocked by the disclosure. Sementick, fearing the consequences, takes a secret farewell of Sonia's portrait in the morning, before resuming his wanderings. Olga sees him praying before her mother's portrait. A great understanding comes to her. Sementick, on the point of starting from the palace, is called back by the master. He is offered pardon if he will recall his terrible confession. Sementick looks at Olga; her eyes plead with him. He perjures himself. As he turns to leave Olga holds out her arms and bestows upon him a daughter's kiss.
- DirectorMarcel PerezLuigi MaggiStarsMarcel PerezNilde BaracchiAlfredo BertoneEpisode 2: "Zingo and the White Elephant" Zingo and his wife, Sari, who are returning from their adventures in Mexico, when Zingo learns from his newspaper that the Royal Elephant of Siam has been stolen and for whose return a large reward will be paid. Not content with settling down to a quiet domestic life, he persuades Sari and his good crew to aid him in finding this white elephant. In the Royal Square of the Capitol of Siam, he reviews the troops which are all comprised of women, which is the custom there. The Prime Minister bids Zingo and his men to visit the Royal Harem. Here they are captured by the troops and are about to be tortured to death when Sari, disguised as a colonel in the army, aids them in escaping. They find the province of Chokuff where the white elephant has been secreted, and catching the Prince making love to Sari, they demand the white elephant. He promises, but traps them all in his dungeon. They are all, but Zingo, placed in barrels with their heads protruding. Zingo files away the bars of his cage, and rolls the barrels by the guards, who are in a stupor from opium smoking. He swims down the river, towing his crew in the barrels. After a fierce encounter with the Prince of Chokuff's army, he attacks the Royal barge in the Blud River, and after a bitter struggle in which he disposes of the entire crew by throwing them overboard, he captures the white elephant and recovers his faithful Sari. He returns the sacred elephant to the King of Siam, and after a big reception by royalty and the populace, Zingo is awarded rich treasures for his noble work. Episode 3: "Zingo in Africa" After returning from Asia with his jolly band of tars, laden with gold and precious stones as a reward for his clever work in recovering the Sacred White Elephant of Siam, Zingo thought he would never again feel the call of the sea, and he didn't for several months. But the wanderlust fever soon returned, and taking his wife as his sole companion, he set out for the wilds of Africa in search of fresh adventures. From this point on, let us follow Zingo down the Nile, and record his hairbreadth escapes. Selecting a likely spot, Zingo and Sari, his wife, make camp. Hearing piercing shrieks just back of their tent, they don bear skins and hasten to the spot in time to prevent the execution of two beautiful native girls by a band of savages. The two girls now become members of Zingo's party, happy to serve their gallant protector. The next day Zingo puts on his armored hunting suit to battle with hungry lions, who have been prowling about the camp. After an hour's terrific struggle with a pair of lions, Zingo returns to find his party gone, and many evidences of a struggle. Suspecting that they have been kidnapped by roving gorillas, Zingo sets off through the forest and eventually comes to the bottom of a large tree sheltering the crudely made gorilla nest. Having a smattering of monkey chatter, he quickly gains an entrance to the nest, and there discovers his wife and the girls more frightened than harmed. The good-natured gorillas listen attentively while Zingo explains that they must proceed up the Nile in their power boat, and they bid the party an affectionate farewell. During an inspection of the Pyramids, Zingo and his party encounter some knavish artists, who drug him and make love to Sari and the native girls. Zingo is boxed up and sold to a London professor as a rare specimen, and does not regain his senses until weeks later. After startling the assembled professors out of their wits, he charters an aeroplane and flies back to Egypt overnight in time to punish the cringing artists and save Sari and her servants from further insult. Then with a last fond look down the Nile River, Zingo and his party board the aeroplane and sail back to Paris. Episode 4: "Zingo's War in the Clouds" Zingo, while working and studying over the prospectus of the Eldorado Mine in his library in Paris, is visited by his faithful crew, who are restless from lying in port and beg of him to put to sea in search of new adventures. Zingo agrees to their proposal, and decides to submit a gigantic scheme to the Eldorado Directorate for working their mine. Arriving in Mexico, he finds the mine operators are entertaining a scheme presented to them by one, Fileas Fogg. Zingo exposes Fogg's crookedness and is awarded the contract for working the mine. In order to study the country around the mines, Zingo and his wife, Sari, erect huts in a nearby river to live in. Fogg, enraged at Zingo for exposing him, with the aid of a savage Indian tribe, attacks Zingo in his river home, and after a thrilling encounter, captures Zingo and Sari. They are bound hand and foot and told they are to be executed the next morning. A pretty Indian girl sets Zingo free in the night, and rides off with him. Zingo calls on the Federal army and is honored by being given the rank of commanding officer, After reviewing his troops and submarine guards. Zingo attacks Fogg's troops, who use chloroform bombs and a special pneumatic sucker to repel his army. Zingo's submarine troops attack Fogg's deep water divers and after a severe encounter in the depths, Zingo's men are victorious. Vanquished under the sea, Fogg takes refuge in a huge motor balloon with Sari still in his power. After a most thrilling battle in which a dozen types of balloons are used, Zingo's dirigible manages to catch Fogg, and after transferring Sari, he cuts the ropes suspending the basket from the bag, and Fogg drops into eternity. Zingo sights his yacht directly below him and by lowering a rope and making it fast to the mast, they all descend and are joyously received by the crew. Zingo promises all to return home after settling up his business affairs in Mexico.
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsCristina RuspoliGiovanni CiusaGiovanni Enrico VidaliA couple is prevented from marrying by a local tyrant, and they are not reunited until after a number of misfortunes, including pestilence.
- StarsPina MenichelliGiuseppe MariGianna Terribili-GonzalesThis movie reveals the miserable life and sufferings of two actresses of Yue Opera in the old society and their liberation and renascence in the new China
- DirectorLuca ComerioStarsEugenia VillaVittorina GalibertiArmando BerrucciniThe work is a series of ornate tableaus that successively portray the arrival of the first steamboat, the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, the discovery of the electric battery by Alessandro Volta, the invention of the telegraph, the opening of the Suez Canal, the first attempt to build a canal across Panama and the tunneling under Mount Cenis that linked Italy and France in 1871. The last of 11 scenes, ''Apotheosis,'' is a festival of nations with flag-waving dancers decked out in symbolic costumes.
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsMaria JacobiniAlberto NepotiMario RonconiAt Domremy, a town situated close to the river Meuse, little Joan, the daughter of Jacques d'Arc, heard the tales of the war which was then devastating her country. Mercenary troops of the Duke of Armagnor fought in defense of King Charles VII. They were opposed by the soldiers of the Duke of Burgundy, allied with the English. Devastation and pillage followed in their wake. The peasantry passed their days in wretchedness and terror, hanging round the castles imploring aid and assistance. It was a constant din of battle, galloping horses and the clash of arms. All houses were solidly barred. Joan lived thus in the midst of trouble and anxiety. At times the sound of distinct and melodious bells reached her ears when tending her sheep and cattle in the meadows. She knelt for hours, listening to those mysterious and sweet sounds. One evening she heard a voice calling her in the sweetest tone imaginable. The maiden knelt; a great flood of light dazzled her. St. Michael was standing before the bewildered girl and spoke to her. His words sounded like music to her ear, "Beloved Joan, hearken to the duty that lies before thee. Go to Lord Baudricourt and then to the King. Ask for arms and soldiers, and fight the enemies of France." Some days later, St. Margaret and St. Catharine appeared to Joan and confirmed St. Michael's order, encouraging her and recommending, at the same time, virtue and resolution. Joan was now firmly assured of her mission. The Lord of Baudricourt receives Joan's supplication with derision. "I do not believe a word of all this," says he to Joan's uncle, who has accompanied her, "She is dismissed." Bertrand de Poulangy, a young man secretly in love with Joan, entreats her not to despair. He accompanies her on a second visit to the Lord of Vaucouleur and she finally succeeds. Baudricourt consents to furnish Joan with a small body of knights who will accompany her to the King. Joan, accompanied by Bertrand, puts on a coat of mail, girds her sword and mounting her steed rides at the head of her squires to the castle of Chinon, the actual residence of the King. More than three hundred barons and feudal lords of the realm were then assembled at the King's Court. Desirous of judging for himself whether Joan's mission was really inspired, the King disguises as a courtier, among whom he mixes. Joan enters amid the assemblage. Her rustic beauty causes quite a flutter; the ladies whisper, the knights admire her. Without the least hesitation, she walks straight up to the King, before whom she kneels and says, "Kindly Dauphin, I am Joan the Virgin, from Domremy. The King of Heaven has sent me to say that through my humble offices you will truly become King of France." Joan not only convinces the King of her heavenly mission, but also the King's councilors, all learned prelates, who ply her with numerous and intricate questions. The brilliant career of the Virgin Warrior has begun. At the head of ten thousand men Joan starts for Orleans. The French array was defending the city heroically, but has been reduced to extremities through lack of provisions. Joan crosses the Loire, gives battle, and on the evening of May 1, 1429, the glorious Virgin makes a triumphant entry into the beleaguered city. The next day she discusses with Dunois, commander of the city and the officers of the garrison, her plan of defense and studies the position of the enemy. Anxious and filled with pity for the many lives which must necessarily be lost through warfare, Joan shoots a missive into the English camp. She implores the Englishmen in the name of Heaven not to shed blood ruthlessly, but to raise the siege and depart in peace. This message is received with jeers and taunts, which affect Joan to tears. For fourteen hours the battle raged. One after the other the strong towers on the bridge were taken, and finally the English were forced to raise the siege. Joan, following up her advantage, pursues the flying horde and completely routs the English at the battle of Patay. Talbot was taken prisoner. Night falls on the field of battle. The heroic maiden helps the wounded. The tidings of Joan's magnificent victory stirs the Court and the vacillating King. Joan is received with unusual honors and succeeds in persuading Charles to go to Rheims, there to be crowned King of France in the sacred cathedral of that ancient city. The imposing pageant of the Dauphin Charles' triumphal procession, led by Joan holding aloft her standard, fills the population with enthusiasm and joy. As Joan proceeds, women and girls kiss the hem of her mantle; her path is strewn with roses. On July 11, 1429, the Dauphin Charles is duly crowned King of France, and thus it came to pass that the second part of Joan's mission was fulfilled. Joan is on the eve of returning to her native home when renewed activities of the English convince her that her task is not yet completed and cannot be until she has driven them all from French soil. However, the King's inborn pusillanimity, fostered by the envy, malice and hatred of both the Court and the Clergy, causes him to take an unwise and undignified course. He commands Joan to lay down her arms and retire in one of the royal residences. With intense sorrow, Joan places her sword and spurs and armor on the altar of Saint Denis. Many of her companions and soldiers are in tears. The people hold her in veneration and accompany her, singing hymns and acclaiming her frantically. Mothers bring their sick children to her; she blesses and restores them to health. Joan frets over her inactivity; the Duke of Burgundy's troops are still active and Joan longs to go out and meet them. One morning she starts at the head of her army and leads it under the walls of Paris. Despite the fact that she has been wounded, she again leads her forces to the attack, but is again repulsed. Finally she retires to Compiegne, when, falling into a trap, she is taken prisoner by John of Luxembourg. Joan's star is fading. She is kept a prisoner; her faithful Bertrand succeeds in reaching her in prison and endeavors to make a way for her escape. Joan of Arc heeds not the divine "voices" that remonstrate with her. In her rash attempt she falls on the rocks at the foot of the tower where she was imprisoned and is once more a captive. John of Luxembourg, greatly terrified, the effect of a demoralizing dream, delivers Joan into the hands of the English for the paltry sum of $10,000. Joan is accused of witchcraft. In her prison she is subjected to the insults of her guards and noblemen. Her confessor, the priest Loyseleur, betrays her. She is taken before the inquisition tribunal, which cross-examines her severely. Her replies to the subtle questions of the judges are dignified. The tribunal is confused, but inexorable. Joan is condemned to death by fire. Joan, dressed in white, is led to her doom. Loyseleur, the groveling monk, implores her forgiveness for his treachery. Bertrand, her faithful attendant, showers roses to her as a last tribute of love and respect. She ascends to the scaffold and is tied to the stake. She asks for a cross, which is given to her and which she kisses, praying at the same time for her enemies and invoking the saints. The flames surround Joan; her head droops, her lips faintly murmur the name of the Crucified and her noble and immortal soul appears to be home up to heaven by heavenly messengers. Even her enemies wept and were heard to say, "We have burned a saint."
- StarsBerta NelsonBernard, under the assumed name of Count DaMora, is a spy, who wins the love of Blanche, the daughter of General Alberti. The general is entrusted with the keeping of a new bomb and the plans for making it, and Bernard is endeavoring to steal them. He calls on Blanche, presses a bouquet of flowers saturated with chloroform to her nostrils, enters the general's room and accomplishes his purpose. Blanche revives and goes in pursuit. Bernard sails on a steamer. Blanche misses the boat, but overtakes it in an aeroplane, dropping into the water from the airship and being pulled abroad by the sailors. A thrilling encounter takes place when she confronts Bernard in his stateroom with a revolver in her hand, but a fire breaks out, diverting her attention for a moment and he leap» upon her and overpowers her. He binds her and rushes to the deck, where the frantic and panic-stricken passengers are trying to make their escape from the burning craft. An awe-inspiring scene of a blazing vessel is shown. A number of explosions take place, and the huge craft dives to the bottom of the sea. Blanche is saved by working herself free of the bonds and leaping into the water, where she clings to wreckage. She is picked up by Wilkinson, a wealthy man cruising in his yacht. He offers his aid, and the two go to Bernard's country. Blanche disguises herself sufficiently to carry out a plan she has formulated, and meets Bernard. He calls the police to arrest her as a spy, but she disclaims his acquaintance, and when Wilkinson insists that she is his wife, Bernard is forced to the conclusion that the resemblance is only a strange coincidence. Blanche makes Bernard fall in love with her and makes on appointment in his home. Wilkinson accompanies her as her chauffeur, and waits outside. Blanche drugs the wine of Bernard, and as he is lapsing into unconsciousness she makes known her identity. She recovers the bombs and plans, and, leaping from the window into the automobile, whirls away. The police pursue in another automobile and a running pistol fight takes place. Wilkinson and Blanche reach a waiting aeroplane and fly away just out of reach of the bullets of their pursuers. They restore the articles to the general, whose honor is thus saved, and who willingly gives his consent when Wilkinson asks for the hand of Blanche.
- DirectorBaldassarre NegroniStarsFrancesca BertiniEmilio Ghione
- DirectorBaldassarre NegroniStarsV. CocchiPina FabbriAn early silent, Italian version of Shakespeare's play The Winter's Tale.
- DirectorRoberto RobertiStarsBice ValerianRoberto RobertiAntonietta CalderariOur picture opens with a beautiful mountain scene and Cora, the belle of a mountain tribe, decking herself with garlands of roses. In the evening Lord Martagne, in disguise, appears at the cave of the mountain tribe and is fascinated by Cora's weird dance. They become lovers, but Lord Martagne soon wearies of the mountain girl and discards her. She calls at his home but is repulsed. She enters secretly at a masked ball in fancy costume to kill her unfaithful lover, but is foiled by his having left the city on urgent business. Lord Martagne goes on important business of a diplomatic character, and becomes a guest at the home of Irma, an attractive young woman who is engaged to be married. Irma is fascinated by Lord Martagne. Cora, the mountain girl, starts out in search of her unfaithful lover. She discovers him seated in a box at the theater with Irma. She leaves the theater when he does and follows him to his home. On account of financial difficulties Lord Martagne writes a letter to Irma, whose father has recently died, leaving her a fortune. He leaves the letter on his desk and Cora, who enters the house, finds it. The note asks Irma to meet him on St. Martin's Bridge the next night and loan him $5,000. Cora meets Lord Martagne on the bridge and forces him to fight a pistol duel with her. She kills him and he falls from the bridge into the river below. Irma comes to keep the appointment and looking over the rail of the bridge sees the body of her lover below. Then she finds the pistol lying on the bridge and her mind gives way. She is crazed and in her delirium she imagines that she committed the murder. At her home. Albert Norton, her fiancé, listens to her story, which is overheard by a maid. He advises her to leave and escape punishment. The maid informs the police and Irma and Norton are arrested. Then Irma recovers her mind and tries to prove her innocence, but fails. She and Norton are condemned to death. In the meantime, Cora has become a famous dancer. She learns of the conviction of Norton and Irma. It worries her greatly and on account of her high strung nerves, she falls into the fire while executing a wild fire dance and is terribly burned. When lying in bed she reads that the execution is about to take place and she confesses and insists on being taken to the scene of the execution in an automobile. She arrives just in time to prevent the double execution, and after telling her story, dies of excitement and exhaustion.
- DirectorAlberto Degli AbbatiStarsMary Bayma-RivaMario BonnardDante CappelliThe shipowner Nick Watson, in financial crisis due to the crazy expenses induced by his lover Leona, commits suicide when he learns that his last vessel the "Florida", has plummeted. Before he dies, the man entrusts his daughter Mary with his brother Tom. But this, upset by the death of her father, who is locked up in an asylum. Leona then decides to take the place of the young woman.
- DirectorEleuterio RodolfiStarsMario Voller-BuzziGigetta MoranoAntonio GrisantiLiterary adaptation: A couple is prevented from marrying by a local tyrant and they are not reunited until after a number of misfortunes including pestilence.
- DirectorGiuseppe de LiguoroStarsEgisto CecchiAnnita Archetti-VecchioniElda BruniGiuseppe Verdi was born in the little village of Roncola, Italy, during the stormy period of a revolution. Verdi's parents are forced to seek refuge in a church, and upon their return to their home, they find that the house has been ransacked and nothing spared. The young Verdi grows up in Roncola, and at the age of seven years displays his love for music. He goes daily to the church, where he is attracted by the beautiful tunes of the organ, and he watches the old organist with intense interest. Verdi's father, realizing his son's musical instincts, buys him an old spinet, and upon this instrument young Verdi commences his rise in the world of music. To further advance in his studies, Verdi leaves Roncola and goes to Buzzeto where he is cordially received by the Barezzi, who endeavor to help him. He leaves for Milan, to join the Conservatory, but he is met with a refusal to his request for admission. He returns to Buzzeto and is consoled by the kind people with whom he lives, especially by their daughter, Marguerite, who soon afterwards becomes Verdi's wife. During financial hardships, and the oppression of his jealous fellow musicians, he composes his first opera, "Oberto, Comte di San Bonifacio." But while he dreams of glory, his dearly-beloved wife dies, and he becomes inconsolable. For a time he forgets his art. But soon the fire of his ambition again arises, and he composes the opera "Nubucco," which marks the beginning of his fame. For the second time he marries, taking as his wife the charming Giuseppina Strepponi, the first interpreter of the main character in "Nubucco." Verdi's name now becomes popular, and his fame is gradually becoming world-wide. From Milan, Verdi goes to the principal cities of Italy, where he adds new laurels to his increasing popularity. Thereafter, the larger part of Verdi's life is spent in Genoa, in the Doria Palace, where through its large windows, he views the mighty sea, which inspires his musical soul with the charms of its majestic scenes. And as he dreams, he hears the trumpets of Aida in the distance; here is Rigoletto, court jester to the Duke of Mantua, who swears to avenge himself, while Azucena, the gypsy girl, is lulled in Manrico's arms; and now comes the impassioned Violette, who gently dies near her beloved Alfredo; here is the jealous Othello, the Moor of Venice, who bewilderingly kisses the unfortunate Desdemona; and here is Falstaff, duped by the Merry Wives of Windsor; and the old man's vision disappears. He then decides that all the wealth which he had amassed through his art should help other poor composers and artists of the great musical family. He builds in Milan the House of Musicians for which the world of art owes him everlasting gratitude. And as the majestic sun sets on the horizon, Verdi's earthly life is extinguished, but his name and fame will survive him through all eternity.
- DirectorBaldassarre NegroniStarsFrancesca Bertini
- StarsEnrico FioriTotò MajoranaEnrico Fiori, a sailor, finds himself on a raft, the only living survivor after a shipwreck, and after drifting several days without food or water, he at last comes upon a desert island, where he sustains himself by eating grass and drinking from a tiny stream. Wandering about the island one day, he discovers a cave in which he finds several skeletons, also a book that tells about a Spanish fort where some red diamonds are hidden. In order that he may be rescued from this island, he cuts his arm and writes a note for help with his blood, and throws it into the sea. A fisherman finds Enrico's note in the body of a fish and goes to his rescue. When they reach the island, they find him turned into a savage, who fights them, but they at last subdue him by smoking him out of a cave. Tying him up, they bring him back to civilization, put him into a hospital, where in time he recovers. On his recovery he tells the doctor and the nurse about the red diamonds and they both agree to start on a search with him for the diamonds. In the course of time they find the fort and secure the diamonds, which are given into the keeping of the doctor, who falls in with a gang of bandits. In order to escape he tells the bandits that Enrico Fiori and the nurse have the diamonds, and upon hearing this they let him go and start a search for Enrico and the nurse, whom they soon capture. The doctor, after escaping from the clutches of the bandits, meets a bear and in order to get away in a hurry, falls over a precipice. Meanwhile, the bandits not finding the jewels on Enrico and the nurse, tie them up and get drunk on the liquor they had stolen, and fall into a drunken sleep. While they are sleeping Enrico gets one of the robber's knives, frees the nurse and himself, lights a fuse that leads to a barrel of powder underneath the fort, and escapes while the robbers are blown up with the fort. As they are escaping they suddenly meet the doctor, who in order to right himself gives the diamonds to Enrico, but while they are sleeping he tries to steal the diamonds again. Enrico wakes up and struggles with the doctor, but is knocked unconscious with a limb of a tree. When Enrico gains consciousness he starts in search of the doctor and finds him near a stream. They again quarrel and in the excitement which follows both fall into the stream, where under water he takes the diamonds from the doctor and comes to the surface, while the doctor, who cannot swim, drowns. Enrico Fiori swims to the bank with the gems, climbs out and brings the nurse to the spot where the doctor had drowned.
- DirectorAldo MolinariStarsCarlo CattaneoContessa De LeonardisNello CarotenutoThe first scenes are in a modern Italian village, and the drama is related by an old bagpiper and concerns himself. His sister and father are his neighbors during the eventful days of 1861-62. After the prologue the village occupied by the dissolute Bourbon soldiers is shown. Carola, the sister, is the pride of the countryside. When three semi-intoxicated soldiers attempt to insult her, she rushes to her father. He grabs his gun and rushes down into the courtyard, where he meets the fire from one of the soldier's guns. The brother is away with fellow Garibaldians while Carola is left alone with the body of her dead father. The brother returns with his detachment of "red-shirter," and promptly routs the representatives of the hated Bourbon monarch. But soon a larger detachment of Bourbons is sent to the village. Their feelings stirred to a boiling degree by the death of Carola's father, the villagers give battle to the Bourbons, but the regular soldiers outnumber them, and they seek a vantage point in the old church, where a three-days' attack takes place. The leader of the Garibaldians realizes that they will have to surrender or starve unless assistance can be secured from the neighboring city of Caserta, but the attempt to secure this assistance means almost certain death to the messenger. The leader suggests this, but remarks that hardly anyone present would care to take such a risk. But Carola surprises all of them by promptly volunteering to go. The leader throws a rifle over Carola's shoulder and, after being lowered on a rope for a distance of nearly one hundred and fifty feet, Carola gains the roadway in the rear of the church, but she is seen by some of the Bourbons. She does not stop. One of the bullets strikes her in the leg, but despite the great pain she struggles onward and finally reaches a small house on the outskirts of the neighboring city, where her cry for help is answered by a fellow countrywoman, who opens the door, which had been securely locked against the intruders. The woman sees Carola's wound and is about to alleviate the pain when Carola stops her, saying that there is no time for that, her neighbors in the church must be rescued. The woman heeds the advice and, with a revolver in her hand, rushes to the center of the city, where she informs the Garibaldians. Stopping at the house of the woman on their way to the besieged church they find Carola on the floor, dead. The Garibaldians rush forward and surprise the Bourbons with the ferocity of their attack. In the street encounter the Bourbons lose and in the final stand at the church they are completely routed and they flee along the Volturno River to safety. The besieged welcome their saviors with vehement thanks. Carola's brother rushes up to them to inquire of his sister, and the women point in the direction from which they have come. The brother and the women lead the natives to the house and there they find the body of Carola. Removing their hats and kneeling in prayer they weep as they say a benediction over the noble girl who had sacrificed her life for them.
- DirectorGerolamo Lo SavioStarsEttore BertiPaola MontiAgesilao GrecoAgesilao Greco interprets a painter who falls in love with a countess but is forced to retire when she has to marry the banker who otherwise threatens to bring the indebted family to the ruin. Passing the fenced gardens and the conventional parlors, we finally get to the armory room, where rivals in love are challenging to blade, in a underhand and cruel game of slaughter.
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsAlberto CapozziSuzanne De LabroyLydia De RobertiThe Moorish general Othello is manipulated into thinking that his new wife Desdemona has been carrying on an affair with his lieutenant Michael Cassio when in reality it is all part of the scheme of a bitter ensign named Iago.
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsUbaldo Maria Del ColleAdriana CostamagnaArturo GarzesJack Hilton, naval lieutenant, has fallen in love with Adriana Duncan, a wild beast tamer, but his relatives refuse to sanction the marriage owing to the poverty and to the humiliating occupation of his fiancée. In despair, Milton appeals for the last time to his eccentric old uncle, Marquis Hilton, who threatens to alter his will in favor of another if he persists in his mad intention. A fortnight later, in spite of this determined opposition, the marriage is celebrated. Furious at this disobedience, the Marquis is in the act of disinheriting his nephew when his old complaint seizes him and he dies without having time to change his will. Jack is ordered out to conduct an expedition into the interior of India with a view to discovering the unknown sources of the "Sacred River" of Belopore. Sadly he takes leave of his young bride and sets out upon his journey. In the train he meets Thomas Trevalny, his old school friend, and on board the liner, a few minutes before the departure, he receives the news of his uncle's unexpected death and of his own inheritance. In great haste, Hilton entrusts the important documents to Trevalny, saying that he will send the power of attorney from Calcutta. Left alone, Trevalny determines to gain possession of his friend's valuable inheritance, and gains admittance into his house as gardener in order to intercept the letters from the East, and also Hilton's power of attorney, Trevalny succeeds in his villainous plan, and, while poor Adriana is still waiting for news of her husband, he becomes master of the fortune by means of the intercepted power of attorney. At last Jack Hilton and his expedition are bivouacking on the banks of the "Sacred River." The Rajah, however, an unrelenting foe of all Europeans, is informed of their intrusion, and sends his fanatic soldiers to attack the encampment. Overwhelmed by a superior force, the Europeans are almost all massacred, and Hilton himself is taken prisoner. The Rajah himself condemns the unfortunate man to be burned alive, but, at the entreaty of his favorite Fedorah, he imprisons him for life. Meanwhile Adriana has become poor once more, and believes her husband to be dead. A son is born, of whose existence the father knows not, and Adriana is compelled to devote herself once again to her old profession of wild beast tamer in a menagerie to provide food for her child. At Belopore, the Rajah observes Fedorah's nightly visits to the European's prison, and the unfortunate Jack Hilton is thrown into the Court of Lions. Fedorah, however, persuades the faithful Pipel to save her lover, and he flees from Belopore to his safety. Trevalny, who loves Mrs. Hilton, comes one day to force his will upon her, and is driven from the house by the unexpected arrival of one of her leopards. Furious at his failure, he buys the menagerie where Adriana is employed, and writes a letter to her, announcing his fixed intention, either to realize his desire or to drive her into the streets with her little son. Helpless, Adriana comes to appeal to his better feelings. That same evening, after two years' absence, Jack Hilton returns home, finds the threatening letter, and guesses the danger of his wife's position. Without losing a moment, he runs to Trevalny's mansion, and bursts into the drawing room where the scoundrel is trying to seduce his wife. With a terrible cry he hurls himself upon the traitor, but, at his wife's prayer, restrains his fury until the arrival of the police. So, after so many sufferings, Hilton and his wife embrace once more, while Trevalny awaits the punishment he well deserves.
- StarsItalia Almirante-ManziniErnesto VaserAlex BernardThe Queen's Jewel treats of a fanciful kingdom of the type that made "Graustark" a best seller. This film story has a prime minister (consummately acted by he who made the title role of "Tigris" famous) who tries to compromise the queen by preventing her from recovering the jewel miniature which she had given to the lover of other days. The "D'Artagnan" in this instance is the fiancé of the queen's lady-in-waiting. A resourceful fellow he proves to be to his efforts to return to the queen with the retrieved jewel in time to frustrate the malevolent designs of the minister. He is equally at home in an aeroplane, automobile, motorcycle or railroad train and, of course, like all proper and successful heroes, he thwarts the plotters, though only after many mishaps. This feature introduces dashes of comedy and the low lights have a brightening effect upon the somberly serious.
- DirectorEugenio PeregoStarsAlberto CapozziUmberto ParadisiOrlando RicciCapt. Derville has occasion to reprove a slovenly soldier at review. This soldier in a spirit of revenge for his humiliation, steals a large part of the funds with which Derville is entrusted. Derville cannot account for the disappearance of the money, and knowing he will be disgraced, he disappears, aided by Tom, his old servant, who supplies him with the clothes of a peasant. Derville is intensely fond of his wife and two children, and the reparation is bitter tor all. In the mountains Derville saves the life of Gustave, a peasant. War breaks out and Derville and Gustave enlist, the former under the assumed name of William. During a fierce battle William (Derville) picks up a bomb and hurls it away as it is about to explode under the feet of a general. For this brave act he is made a sergeant. A warm friendship springs up between him and Sergeant Robert, and the two are inseparable. The plague strikes the town and to prevent its spread strict military quarantine is established. The two sergeants are posted at a gate and refuse to permit anyone to pass. A widow and two children try to get into the gates, and tell a pathetic tale of hunger, adding that they will surely starve to death unless permitted to reach the house of their aunt. The resemblance of the children to Derville's own little ones touches his heart, and the two sergeants allow them to pass. A disgruntled peasant who had been turned back complains to Valmore, the aide-de-camp. This worthy is in love with Laura, the fiancée of Robert, and he takes advantage of the opportunity to rid himself of his rival by denouncing the two sergeants. The general is touched by the pitiful tale, but is compelled to order a court-martial, which finds the two men guilty, but holds that in view of the extenuating circumstances only one man shall he executed, and that lots shall be cast to see which shall die. William and Robert throw dice and William is the unfortunate one. The men are sent back to their cell by the old turnkey, who is the uncle of Laura. While there, William receives a note from a friend, informing him that his wife and children have taken refuge on the island of Rozes, not very far off. Derville, who had not been able to communicate with his family for three years, breaks down, and tells Robert the story of his life. Robert requests the aide-de-camp to permit Derville to go on the dispatch boat, which makes daily trips to the island of Rozes, to kiss his wife and children good-bye, agreeing to stay as a hostage and die in his stead should he not return. The aide-de-camp sees possibilities in this and consents. Gustave, the man Derville saved, is in charge of the dispatch boat, and the aide-de-camp secretly tells Gustave that if he delays the return of William he will. In the meantime, get a pardon for Robert. The simple Gustave believes him. Mrs. Derville and the faithful Tom are living in a cottage on the island. The cannon announces the arrival and departure of the dispatch boat, and every day Tom goes to see, if by chance, word has come from the captain. Tom hears the soldiers talking about a proclamation and recognizes the name of his master. He takes the proclamation and finds it is an acknowledgment by the secretary of war of the innocence of Capt. Derville of the charges against him, the guilty man having confessed before dying. When Derville reaches the island, therefore, he finds himself in the peculiar position of a free man, restored to rank as Capt. Derville, and as Sergeant William he is condemned to death. The meeting between the wife and husband is wonderfully depicted, and very touching. Gustave tells the old servant that if he makes his master miss the boat his life will be saved. Tom, therefore, sets the clock back an hour, and Derville is astounded to hear the booming of the cannon announcing the return of the boat. The weeping wife and children cling to him, but he tears their hands away and dashes to the water's edge. There is only one way to keep his word of honor to swim, and he dives into the water and begins the long journey. The dispatch boat arrives at the fortress without William, and the execution of Robert is ordered. The general is angry when he learns what has been done, but despite the pleadings of Laura and her uncle, he is compelled to carry out the sentence. Robert faces the firing squad, and the commands are given: "Ready. Aim." Before the word "Fire," is said, the old turnkey sees in the distance the swimmer nearing the shore, exhausted. Derville is assisted to land and Robert is saved. Derville makes known his rank to the general, as well as his true name. Laura and her uncle eloquently plead for mercy, and the old general is, in fact, only too glad to have an excuse to stop the unpleasant proceedings, and tells Derville that to make atonement for the great wrong done him, a pardon would be secured for him. Then, indignant at the conspiracy of the aide-de-camp, he removes him from office and orders him under arrest to be himself court-martialed for his vile plotting.
- DirectorGiulio AntamoroStarsAmleto NovelliHesperiaIgnazio LupiLieutenant Novelli is stationed on the frontier with his troops. He is in charge of dynamite. His wife, Hesperia, telephones him that their child is seriously ill and Novelli sacrifices duty and goes home. Meanwhile orders arrive from headquarters to move a large quantity of dynamite, and in the absence of Novelli, his subordinate undertakes to load the shipment. In doing so, a large cask of the explosive is dropped with frightful results to the entire fort, causing the death of a number of officers and men. Novelli is court-martialed and sent from the army. He goes to India, leaving his wife and daughter at the army post, and for some months plunges into the jungle, where his rare marksmanship wins the great admiration of the natives. One day Novelli fires at an Antelope and the beast, after one spasmodic leap into the air, falls dead. This is considered a great feat among the natives and is only eclipsed when Novelli, dropping on one knee, easily shoots a charging water buffalo. The India village is much harassed by the constant depredations of tigers, and the chief, after begging Novelli to remain with them orders his arrest. Novelli hears of the treachery and flees. He is ambushed, however, and only after a desperate battle with the natives, manages to leave the pursuing parties behind. Their great numbers crowd him fast, however, and in desperation, Novelli climbs a tree. The natives having no guns and Novelli, having exhausted his ammunition, it is but a few minutes work to cut the tree, bringing Novelli to the ground in a crush of twigs and branches. He is taken back to the chief's village and when again asked to remain with them in peace, refuses. For this he is sentenced to be burned alive in the center of the village. The fagots are piled high and Novelli is strapped to a post on the top of them. The old chief, who has been ill for some time and is rapidly dying, wishes to join the festivities. After the fagots are lighted, the chief is taken with a violent coughing spell and death threatens. Novelli, above the roar of the flames, cries that if they will loosen his hands, he can save the old chief's life. This he does and the death sentence is temporarily revoked. A large Bengal tiger has been making steady visits to the village and Novelli is asked to dispatch him. Making his place on the back of an elephant, and surrounded by the tribe. Novelli leads the battle. Dismounting from the elephant, Novelli plants himself in the middle of a clear space and sends the tribesmen in to beat the tiger into the open. In a few moments the great head of the beast is seen coming from the underbrush. A second later and the beautiful animal stands in the center of the clearing with tail switching, nostrils expanded, crouched and ready for a leap. As he is about to spring towards Novelli, the marksman fires and the mammoth beast falls to the ground in its death agonies. Later in the day this same performance is repeated and a second monster of the jungle falls before the rifle of the redoubtable Novelli. This animal is skinned before its body has stopped twitching and a beautiful tiger skin marks the trophy of the chase. After these exploits, Novelli is given more freedom about the India village and one night makes a second leap for freedom. This time he takes flight on a horse. Through these months of his exile, Novelli is much loved by Sarama, the Chief's daughter and she ever-watchful, is the first to become aware of his escape and follows madly on another horse. She over-takes Novelli and while traveling at breakneck speed, she leaps from her horse onto the back of Novelli. The additional weight, and the swaying of their bodies, finally throws the two to the ground* Novelli shakes himself loose; leaps upon a horse and resumes the flight. An then a wonderful thing happens. While dashing at breakneck speed under a large tree, the white-clothed figure of a native is seen to shoot down from among the branches, steady itself for an instant by hanging to a lower branch, and throw its legs around the neck of the swift-traveling Novell. , ha tiling the body from the saddle of his horse. Recaptured and back again in the India village, Novelli begins to give up all hope of seeing his wife and child again. Meanwhile many strange things are happening to Hesperia. After making fruitless quests for information of her absent husband, Hesperia with her little daughter, Elsie, finally takes passage on a steamer for India, determined to hunt down her missing husband. On board the big liner in the many idle days that follow, little Elsie made a lasting friend of old Tome, the boat swain, aid then one day came the cry of "Fire". In a moment the big liner was ablaze with flame and pandemonium reigned. All available boats were lowered and Hesperia and her little child was unable to climb into any of them. Men and women leaped into the water in their frantic effort to escape the flames,and Hesperia in desperation, grabbed her little daughter and leaped into the sea. A second later old Tom was seen to plunge head foremost into the water and grab the little girl, and swam with her to shore; Hesperia swimming after them. They drop exhausted on the beach, and after regaining their senses, make their way to an English station on the outskirts of the village where they are cared for and from where a short time after, Hesperia carried out her bold intention of plunging straight into the jungle in search for her husband. Old Tom and Elsie accompanied her. After many weary days, chance lead them into the hands of natives who took them to the Village where Novelli was a prisoner. A happy reunion followed, tinctured with sadness by the grief of Sarama, when she learned that Novelli had neither time nor thought for her. While all of them remained prisoners in the village, another tiger began its depredations. It was planned to capture him alive, so a big ten-foot pit was built and a net dropped into it. Over the top of this, loose branches were placed and a little Lid was tied to them. Some moments later another tiger peered cautiously from the jungle, greedily eyed the twingling kid, and in two great bounds was upon him. The slender twigs gave way and the great beast was precipitated into the bottom of the pit. The natives then released the unharmed Kid and tightly tying the top of the net, made the tiger captive. Sarama then conceived a hideous plan for vengeance. One day while little Elsie was playing in a hut, she loosened the tiger, who made straight for the child. In through the door he dashed and little Elsie shrank against the side of the grass hut. An instant later a shot rang out and the great tiger fell mortally hit. That night Novelli carefully made a dummy likeness of the four members of his party. In the blackness of the Jungle night they crept out of the village, taking three horses with them. They tied the dummies onto the saddles of the horses and sent the beasts scurrying away. When the alarm was sounded in the village, the horses were followed, allowing an unobstructed way for the fugitives. Coming to the top of a high precipice, Hesperia was left alone for a moment with Elsie. She set the child down when suddenly over the top of a hammock appeared one of the natives. He seized the child and started running with her along the top of a daring cliff. Hesperia did not hesitate. At eminent danger of shooting her own child, she fired at the native and he, dropping the child safely, reeled dizzily over the edge of the precipice and was lost. A week later the little party arrived at the English Village where Hesperia had started from and were welcomed by the populace. Little Elsie ever afterward had a playmate in old Tom.
- DirectorArrigo FrustaStarsGigetta MoranoEleuterio Rodolfi
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsAlberto CapozziFrank Canti, a professional hunter, has had a very bad season. Winter is approaching, and with an old father and two sick children on his hands, he has no money to buy food or medicine. The proprietor of the only hotel in the village, meets him, and tells him that he must have a couple of wild ducks for a banquet, and offers him a large stipend for securing them for him. Canti realizes that the only place to get them is on the preserves, closed to the layman, and to get them he would have to trespass. He is sorely tempted, but refuses. He returns home and is confronted by the doctor, who insists that the child receive the medicine prescribed, so he returns to the proprietor of the hotel and accepts an advance from him, the balance to be paid on the delivery of the ducks. He goes to the Count's grounds, shoots a duck, and is immediately caught by the keeper of the grounds, who is in love with his wife. He is hailed to the police court, where the keeper swears to a charge of trespassing against him. The penalty for the offense is 300 francs, or one month in jail. Police Officer Moretti's term of three years is practically over. During this time he has saved 300 francs, which he has placed in an envelope, and intends using same as a wedding gift to his bride. The hunter's wife calls on him for advice, he having a reputation for big-heartedness, but he advises her that nothing can be done, and takes her to the lieutenant, thinking possibly that he might see a way out of the dilemma, but, instead, the lieutenant confirms what he has already said. He, too, is extremely warm-hearted and generous, and as soon as the hunter's wife departs, gives the policeman five francs to take to her. The hunter is allowed three days in which to decide whether he must serve his term in prison. The time having expired and the fine not paid, Moretti is given a warrant for the hunter's arrest. He goes to the house, and the children, on seeing him, embrace and kiss him. Touched by this show of affection, he hesitates about making the arrest. In the meantime, the lieutenant decides to go to the house himself to see if the policeman is carrying out his orders. As he approaches, Moretti realizes that he cannot carry out his duty, and pulling out his savings, hands it to the lieutenant in the envelope, and tells him that the hunter has decided to pay the fine. Moretti, having sent for his mother and fiancée, returns to the police headquarters and finds them awaiting his arrival. The hardest task of all is now in front of him, that of telling his beloved ones that he cannot go on with the marriage, as he has lost his savings. In the meantime, the lieutenant opens the envelope that has been given to him by Moretti and notices the inscription, "For My Wedding," written on it. The truth of the situation dawns upon him, and out of his own savings takes 300 francs, places it in another envelope, and writes the inscription, "The Hunter's Fine" on it. He goes into the room where Moretti, his fiancée and mother are, drops the original envelope on the floor and calls Moretti's attention to it. Moretti picks it up and at once realizes the generosity of his superior officer. The last scene shows everybody reunited.
- DirectorEmilio GhioneStarsEmilio Ghione
- DirectorUbaldo PitteiStarsCarlo BenettiOlga BenettiUbaldo Pittei
- DirectorEmilio GhioneStarsMario BonnardAlberto ColloOlga BenettiRudolph Morton, a civil engineer, is constructing a railway in India for James Dexter, an English millionaire. Rudolph incurs the hatred of Rajah Nadir, who is ruler of the province in which he is working, and to injure him, the Rajah orders his servant, Ali, to steal Rudolph's plans. All carries out his orders and delivers the plans to his master, who upon examining them, discovers a photograph of Elsie Dexter, who is Rudolph's fiancée, also a cable from Elsie, asking Rudolph to try to purchase for her Rajah Nadir's splendid collection of antique rugs. The Rajah at once falls in love with Elsie through her photograph, and he immediately leaves for Europe, taking his rugs with him, and is determined to win her. On his arrival, he sends the rugs as a present to Elsie, and to further his plans, he is made president of a European branch of a desperate society called the Ghost Club. Rudolph, while attending a reception given at James Dexter's mansion, witnesses the receipt of an anonymous note to Mr. Dexter, containing a warning that his daughter Elsie's life is in danger, being threatened by the Ghost Club. Mr. Dexter and Rudolph thereupon decide to keep an all-night watch. However, notwithstanding their vigilance, two messengers of the Ghost Club mysteriously enter the house, and leave behind them a threatening letter. A few days elapse, and while Elsie is returning home from a charity visit, she is waylaid and attacked by the Ghost Club's assassins. Rajah Nadir, knowing of the plans of the Ghost Club, in the disguise of a workman, rescues her from the band, and hastens away without disclosing his identity. Later, however, he communicates with Elsie and informs her that he will attend her father's masquerade ball, providing she will send two invitations to the Black Dragon Inn. This Elsie does, and the Rajah presents himself at the ball with his native servant, Ali. Meeting Elsie, he immediately declares his love for her, and succeeds in winning her heart. Rudolph, mad with jealousy, readily falls into the trap set by Ali, which is a pretense to plot with him against the Rajah. His first step is to persuade Rudolph to join the Ghost Club, one of the rules of which is that the world must believe him dead. In order to obey this rule, Ali gives him a stupefying drug. Later he is found unconscious: the general belief is that he has committed suicide. This belief is strengthened by the fact that Ali at the right moment discharges a pistol, which he places beside Rudolph. Rajah Nadir, in the guise of a friend, then takes Rudolph to his own home, and when he recovers from the effects of the drug, he is made a member of the Ghost Club. During the ceremony he recognizes in the president, Nadir, his rival in love, and incensed with anger, he demands revenge, which is denied him, so he follows Nadir to his home, but there again his plans are frustrated, as he is no match for the Rajah, and is soon overpowered. He is then forced to write a letter to Elsie, declaring that he wishes to be revenged against her. Nadir sends this note to Elsie, with a request that she meet him by the lake. He steals the funds of the Ghost Club, and meeting Elsie at the appointed hour, he elopes with her. Rudolph and the other members of the Ghost Club pursuing them. He boards the same train taken by Elsie and Nadir, while the other members hasten off to attempt to undermine a bridge over which the train passes. In attempting to escape from Rudolph, Elsie and Nadir leap from the fast moving train and both are killed, the result of unfaithfulness.
- DirectorBaldassarre NegroniStarsFrancesca BertiniAlberto ColloEmilio GhioneThe young teacher Noemi , only support for her sick mother, is the object of the attention of the school inspector Speri. Upon her refusal, the young girl is transferred to the small village of Rocca, where Count Marni asks her to be his son's governess. Slowly the young girl and the Count fall in love. But the inspector, jealous, instills in the Count the seed of doubt.
- DirectorUbaldo Pittei
- The life of Detective Taris, one of the greatest criminal hunters in Italy, would have been prolonged if duty had not compelled him to be hated by the most noted gang of cut-throats that ever existed in the suburbs of Naples. Italy, under the leadership of Occhisbelli, the brains of the local Camora. Owing to heavy political activities, several large sums of money had been deposited in the Commercial Bank, Gerad, in order to meet the expenses of a general election. The bank had been victims of several small robberies lately, and the heavy deposits induced the director general to have a guard placed around the bank in order to safeguard the money entrusted in his care. The chief of the police, after consulting with the director, orders Detective Taris and a few trusted men, to keep watch on the bank. Occhisbelli, the Camorist, obtains reliable information as to the large amount of money deposited, but it is hard for him to break in. Some new way must be formed to enter the hank. The photograph of the head of the watchman is procured, and Occhisbelli disguises himself accordingly. He has no trouble in getting past the outside guards and the watchman. Entering the room where the safes are, he sees the detective. Without any hesitancy he goes for the detective. A terrible struggle starts, where one man fights for his life and honor, and the bandit to keep his neck from the gallows. The straggle ends and there is another murder added to the long list of crimes indicted to the Camora. Having killed the detective, he looks around, takes what he can easily carry in money, and leaves the building. Nobody attempts to stop him as the disguise is perfect. He is taken for the watchman. At the door he meets the guards placed there by the detective, Taris, but little did they suspect that their chief had lost his life in the course of duty. They don't recognize Occhisbelli disguised as the watchman. Next morning the real watchman opens the door of the bank and meets other night employees. Stunned for the moment, they cannot understand how he went out. In a few moments the terrible truth dawns on them and they rush to the strong room and find Detective Taris foully murdered. Ida Tarts, his daughter, is informed of the terrible sacrifice her father has made for duty and wants to bring the guilty to justice. She requests the chief of the secret police for a detective badge for only a temporary appointment. The chief, knowing that Ida being a clever young woman, who has often worked with her father in some of the great criminal cases, decides to give her a detective badge. No. 399. She starts out in search of Occhisbelli, whom she already suspects. Disguised as an old woman, she enters the Apaches' den, where the Camorista are in the habit of meeting, and there overhears a conversation between two of Occhisbelli's pals, in which they mention his name. After a while they leave the den. Ida follows them a long distance, in which she is several times nearly discovered, sees them enter an old building in which the Camora gang have their headquarters. She tries the door and finds it locked. There is only one way to gain admittance and that is through the open window. Perilously she scales the wall and overhears more conversing, pertaining to Occhisbelli not having shared the plunder from his recent murder with them. They write him a letter in which they demand an equal share of the money which he stole from the bank when be killed the detective, or they will get his life, in which she overhears his address. As Occhisbelli lives in one of the best sections, on the outskirts of Naples with his sweetheart and a leader of blackmailers. Ida goes for help. When she reaches the house, she finds Occhisbelli, through a clever ruse, by hiding himself in the trunk, has escaped, but Ma is not to be outdone. Later she follows up the trail and manages to enter his employ as a maid, and at the opportune time she signals the chief of police and his aides. After a severe struggle he is captured, in a company of the Camora that had come for their share of the robbery, which he refused to give them. Occhisbelli tells the police that they have no evidence against him. Ida removes her garb as a maid, and confronts him. He is stunned to think a young woman has tracked him and obtained the evidence that will send him later to the gallows. Ida, having fulfilled her vow, is congratulated by the chief of police for having brought to justice the most feared lender of the Camora and avenged the murder of her father.
- DirectorGiulio AntamoroStarsHesperiaIgnazio LupiAmleto NovelliJane Pierce, a charming widow, is bequeathed a fortune at the death of her husband. By the terms of the will, this fortune reverts to her cousin, Daniel Sage, unless she marries a man possessing at least $2,000,000. Harry Osborn. In order to obtain the help of the International Sporting Club, agrees to pay it one-half of any inheritance derived from his marriage through its aid. Later Jane leaves for Europe and Sage, resolving to increase his fortune, follows the widow. He meets with Osborn through the Sporting Club and they perpetrate a scheme whereby they both will benefit financially. In Paris. Jane meets an amiable and careless Italian, who losing everything at a wheel of fortune, is induced to buy a couple of lottery tickets. Things begin to look favorable to Sage and Osborn, until Jane meets Petro. She immediately falls in love with him, but her too frequent attentions are responsible for his indifference toward her. All the while she refuses numerous invitations from the schemers. While out riding Petro meets Jane along the roadside and she accuses him of having followed her. Having no visiting cards, he writes his answer on a lottery ticket. Informing her that her mind might be at rest as he leaves for Rome the nest day. Jane has planned to leave for Rome and they incidentally arrive on the same train. Sage and Osborn not to be thwarted, follow them to Rome and procure the assistance of the International Sporting Club there. Osborn seizes an opportunity to steal Jane's purse containing her private letters and Petro, appearing at this time, offers his assistance. A furious automobile race is on. The auto in which Osborn is riding turns turtle and the occupants are severely injured. Petro also sustains a bruised arm. The next day an item in the newspapers tells of the accident, and also on the same page the winner of the grand prize in the lottery is announced. Jane on seeing the winning number curiously inspects Petro's ticket. Sage discouraged, calls on Jane and offers her one-third of the legacy providing she marries the man of her choice. Petro comes in as Jane says to her cousin, "This gentleman is a multi-millionaire, and in marrying him I retain the terms of the will and forfeit nothing."
- DirectorGiuseppe PintoStarsCornelia Giorgini PintoNelly Pinto
- DirectorBaldassarre NegroniStarsFrancesca Bertini
- The story is laid in Palestine, sixty years after the destruction of the last temple by Titus. The lot of the Jews was not a happy one during the succeeding reigns, but they were a fairly contented people until Hadrian ascended the throne. It is at this point that the opening scene of the picture begins, and leads the spectator back to the magnificent scenery of the Holy Land. It pictures Hadrian who decrees that Jerusalem be rebuilt as a Roman city. The temple is turned into an arena, where lions are roaring over the prey that is cast them, and bloody gladiatorial contests are presented. The oppression now becomes so terrible that the people can bear it no longer, and the vigorous younger party, under the leadership of Bar-Kochba, the noblest of the Jews, begins to sow the seeds of rebellion throughout the land. Now a flowery garden is presented to the sight, and the Oriental tribes that collect there to crown Bar-Kochba in secret are to offer their lives for the sake of a common cause. But it is through Paphos, a Phoenician cripple, disappointed in his mad passion for Dinah. Bar-Kochba's beloved, that destruction descends upon everyone. With his insidious plots, he works upon Rufus to such an extent that he casts Dinah into a cell after accusing her father, Eleazar, the leader of the Council of Elders, of inciting the rebellion. Not content with all this mischief, Paphos informs Bar-Kochba of Dinah's imprisonment Bar-Kochba hastens to the rescue and is seen just after the first chariot race entering the great arena, where a multitude of Romans are celebrating the downfall of Jerusalem. He defies Rufus and demands that Dinah be set free. Rufus commands Horatius to slay him. Defenseless as he is. Bar-Kochba sweeps him aside with one thrust of his mighty arm, but spares his life. Rufus now orders him cast to the lions. Bar-Kochba advances upon the raging beasts, quells them with his glance, and drives them into the crowned seats. Terrified, the Romans fly from the arena. Bar-Kochba has been successful all along the line, and has driven the Romans into Magdala. Within the fortress Paphos makes a final effort to win Dinah, is repulsed again, and determines to cause her death. He watches Rufus staggering drunkenly into a cell. Dinah lures him, and is about to dispatch him when his wife, summoned by Paphos, saves him. A messenger excitedly announces that the Jews are attacking the town. On the advice of Paphos, Dinah is exposed on the battlements and threatened with death unless Bar-Kochba withdraws his army. Bar-Kochba is before the walls of Magdala. Dinah appears on the tower, but rather than hinder her people, dashes herself to pieces on the rocks below. Infuriated by the death of Dinah, the Jews storm the town and set it on fire. The enemy perish in the ruins. Three years of bloody warfare have swept the Romans from the land. Bar-Kochba, king of Judea, welcomes all the people to his realm, irrespective of race, creed or color. He would have kept the Romans at bay. In spite of the fact that Hadrian sent his best generals and the pick of his legionaries against him, were it not for the despicable treachery of Paphos, the Phoenician. Bar-Kochba trusts him blindly, and believes his accusation that Eleazar had surrendered Dinah to the Romans. Maddened by the terrible misfortunes that had befallen him, Bar-Kochba calls Eleazar traitor before the Elders and plunges a dagger into his breast. Just then news comes that the war has recommenced, and Bar-Kochba hastens to defend the frontier. But Bar-Kochba is beaten everywhere and driven into Bethar. Hope flickers for a moment, but Paphos commits his most stupendous piece of treachery. He leads the Romans by a secret passageway into the fortress, and the Jewish cause is lost. Bar-Kochba fights his way through the enemies' lines and tries to lead his reserves to the attack. But seeing all his efforts useless, he falls on his sword as Eleazar's spirit towers above him.
- DirectorGiuseppe PintoStarsArrigo AmerioAmileneSignor Bonelli
- DirectorUbaldo Maria Del ColleStarsAdriana CostamagnaDillo LombardiArturo GarzesNo obstacles can stand in the way of Rosalie's love for the artist Corrado. Despite her family's opposition, particularly that of her brother. Rosalie weds the man she loves. Their days are one long poem of love and happiness. They are further blessed by the birth of their daughter, Ada. Corrado works steadily. Alonzo, who resents the insulting intrusion of the stranger in their family, decides to snatch Rosalie and Ada from the hands of the hated brother-in-law, but Corrado, warned by the old man-servant, who had previously aided Rosalie in her flight, stays at home to await developments. Alonzo soon shows himself angered and insulting. The artist contains himself, but his violent nature cannot long endure that torrent of threats and abuse; the fight in the dark is as sudden as it is terrible. Suddenly, Corrado draws back terrified; he has killed his enemy. He runs away like a madman, his face congested and his hands stained with blood; he falls in the hands of gendarmes, who arrest him. Unable to defend himself, he is condemned to imprisonment for life. Rosalie is reduced to the most abject misery, and unable to buy the remedies so necessary to her sick child. Dr. Palmieri, a good and generous man, comes to her assistance and requests her to share his home. Ada will grow in his house, and he will thus fancy that he has found again his daughter Emma. Palmieri shall be her father and Rosalie will give up her sacred name of mother, so that Ada may always ignore her father's unhappy fate. Corrado wears out his years in prison, tired both in spirit and body. One day he has visions of his happy days, and his heart is rent asunder. He has now but one object in view, escape. He succeeds. Ragged and famished, he wanders through forest, plains, byways, ever sustained by the thought of his wife and daughter. Disguised in clothes kindly given to him by a peasant, he arrives in his native land. Deeply moved, he kneels at the threshold of the village church and prays; he, who has never prayed. He enters the presbytery, where he is greeted by the priest and one of his former friends. He learns with intense delight that his wife and daughter live in the village; Ada is in that house yonder. Corrado calls on the doctor. Greatly troubled and frightened, Rosalie finds herself in the presence of her child's father. What is going to happen? Rosalie implores Corrado to keep silent, but the latter has seen his "beautiful little one" who believes herself to be the doctor's daughter. He has seen his Ada; he wants her. The doctor, a human and loving being, endeavors to dissuade Corrado from his designs, points out to him that he is "civilly dead." He has escaped from prison; he is being sought for. What about his daughter? Nothing can move Corrado, not even Rosalie's painful confession of the sacrifice she has made. Corrado must have his Ada, "Very well!" exclaims Palmieri, "your daughter shall learn and decide." Frightened and trembling upon hearing that revelation, Ada seeks a refuge in the arms of the one she has always believed to be her father and whom she so tenderly loves. No, that man cannot be her father. Everything is ended for Corrado. His heart, deprived of its life-giving element, scarcely beats. He understands that a supreme sacrifice is necessary ineluctable, and while Ada, who has drawn nigh, prays for him, he fondly kisses her hair and swallows a poisonous pellet. The end is nigh; his life is ebbing away, he smiles. Uniting Rosalie's and the doctor's hands above the innocent girl's head, he murmurs, ''Love one another; be happy and watch over her." He dies in peace. His daughter has called him "Father, my father!"
- DirectorHenri ÉtiévantStarsLivio PavanelliThea Sandten