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[The Nihilist’s Daughter]
Also known as The Nihilist’s Daughter in the USA
(1913) Italy
B&W : Two reels
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Savoia Film production. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA as The Nihilist’s Daughter by Features Ideal, Incorporated, through United Film Service on 20 November 1914.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? The story is woven about Michael Rosminia, a dangerous revolutionist. The police are hot on his trail. He realizes that his only hope of safety lies in a hasty flight. Just as he is embracing his wife and daughter, ready to depart, the door is suddenly burst open and the police arrive to take Rosminia away. He languishes in his cell while his wife implores the superintendent of police for mercy. “Tell me the name of the accomplices,” he says, “and, perhaps, your husband will be pardoned.” But this Rosminia, who is at present on a cross examination, forbids. He is taken back to his cell and one night, while pacing up and down unable to sleep, he discovers that through some carelessness of the guard the door of the prison is unlocked. With feverish hands he opens it and finds himself in the vast courtyard of the prison, which had formerly been a convent. Concealing himself in a cache of the wall until the watchman passes, he gets out of the prison walls undetected. The love for his family pulls his footsteps once more to his little home to say a last farewell. While there, his escape is discovered. The booming of the guns announces it to Rosminia. He tears himself away and makes the boundary line in safety. The police are hot on his trail and catching sight of an old mill, throws himself on the mercy of the old miller, who hides him in an aqueduct which is free from water. The police arrive and, not finding him, turn to leave, when a diabolical idea seizes their leader and he pulls the lever, which allows the water to rush into the aqueduct, which holds the unfortunate Nihilist. He miraculously escapes and goes into exile. The news of the supposed disaster reaches his wife and the shock kills her. Several years have elapsed and the child, who was adopted by the head of the police, marries and becomes Countess Lombard. She alone knows of her father’s existence, until one day the chauffeur, who is infatuated with his mistress and has been threatened with instant dismissal for his presumption, finds the evidence of what he supposes is an intrigue, which he immediately takes to the Count. That night the Count goes to the garden and, as a figure muffled in a coat makes his appearance, the Count fires, only to find that he has shot his wife’s father. They hide him in the house until after he recovers. The law, knowing no mercy, the poor man again departs into exile.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 6 December 1914, page ?] In this fine two-part picture, made by Savoia Films, there are many beautiful backgrounds, splendid photography, and, best of all, artistic acting. The story is of absorbing interest; there are many strong scenes, some of suspense, some of pathos.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: (unknown) [Italy]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 7 November 2023.
References: Website-IMDb.
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