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[A Soldier’s Honor]
Also known as [A Soldier’s Honor]
(1907) France
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Théophile Pathé Cinématograph et Cie production. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA by Kleine Optical Company.
Drama.
Synopsis: [From Kleine promotional materials]: Martha, the daughter of an officer of high rank, is in love with Hans, future non-commissioned officer. Hans is summoned for duty, which news is received with great regret by Martha. Before the departure of Hans, Mr. Wolmar, Martha’s father, promises her hand to Hans and, with the hands of the betrothed in his, pronounces his benediction upon the two; they drink the health of the bride; Martha, however, is too heavy hearted to join, and Hans departs. The long absence of her fiancé, together with the charm of the new uniform and the suave manner of a lieutenant, cause her to forget her obligations to the former and receive the attentions of the latter. When Hans finally returns with his uniform and insignia of his rank he surprises Martha in the company of the lieutenant. When Hans and Martha are alone she receives him kindly, but when he endeavors to show his affection she cruelly repulses him, with the explanation that she can be no more than a friend to him. Hans subsequently learns that Martha is in the quarters of the lieutenant, and calls there. During an altercation with the superior officer he is struck a blow with a sabre. Undaunted, he bursts into the room in which Martha is in hiding, and when he emerges from that chamber, his fears confirmed, he fairly staggers with distraction. Hans is arrested for his offense to a superior officer and indicted, to be tried by a court martial. At the trial Hans, a stately fellow, full of dignity and every inch a man of highest type, refuses to testify in his own defense. Martha is called and gives testimony. When Wolmar finds his daughter dishonored he springs toward the lieutenant, but an encounter is avoided at this time. Later Wolmar calls upon the lieutenant and challenges him to a duel, but the latter refuses because of the higher rank of Wolmar. Martha interposes and intercedes for the lieutenant, but to no avail. Wolmar destroys the insignia of his superior rank and repeats the challenge, but the lieutenant again refuses, giving evidence of his sense of honor. Wolmar, now provoked to the highest degree, and in a frenzy, shoots at the lieutenant, but Martha, stepping forward at this moment, intercepts the bullet and falls a victim. The father now tenderly raises the head of his daughter, who, with her dying breath, impresses a kiss upon her lover’s cheek and relapses into the slumber from which there is no awaking. Wolmar then disdainfully points to his dead child and commands the lieutenant to “behold your handiwork!”
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: (unknown) [France]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 27 March 2020.
References: Bardèche-History p. 54 : Website-IMDb.
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