Silent Civil War Movies
A list of Silent Civil War Movies compiled mostly from the following sources: "The Civil War in Motion Pictures a bibliography of films produced in the United States since 1897" and the American Film Institute's Film Catalog.
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- StarsKathlyn WilliamsThose memorable words had just died upon the lips of the grand old general, as he gave Lieutenant Allen orders to reach Thomas. In order to do this, Allen had to pass through the heart of the enemy's country. Both men realized the excessive danger, and the younger officer salutes and leaves upon his mission. The message delivered, returning, the Lieutenant finds himself in close quarters. He feigns illness and is cared for at the home of Virginia Johnson, the sister of Robert E. Johnson, who is at the front. She unexpectedly receives a message from her brother, saying he will visit them that night. Allen, fearful of recognition even though he is disguised in Confederate uniform, plans his escape, only to be followed and captured. Later in battle Johnson and Allen are wounded and Johnson, feeling the end was near, places a little miniature in the hands of the Union soldier and asks him to find her. He recognizes it as that of Virginia, and the, "the heart of the rebel gray beats close to the stronger one of Union blue."
- DirectorJ. Searle DawleyStarsFrank McGlynn Sr.The highlight of the picture will be the delivery of the Gettysburg Address and the singing of a number of camp-fire songs
- DirectorTheodore WhartonStarsLeopold WhartonThe incidents pictured in this film are founded on fact and relate to William Scott, a young soldier from the State of Vermont. Scott is on guard after a heavy day's march, and being found asleep is placed under arrest. He is tried by court-martial and sentenced to death. Meantime we see President Lincoln in his study at the White House in deep thought, and seeing a vision of the Civil War and the sorrow caused by it. The vision disappears and he reads a letter from Mrs. Scott pleading for the pardon of her son. Deeply affected he lays the letter down and sees another vision, that of the gray-haired mother and a nameless grave. We next see being marched off to the spot where he is to be shot. All is in readiness for the fatal word of command to be given, when through a cloud of dust a coach dashes up attended by outriders. The President steps out and pardons the prisoner, who falls on his knees and blesses him. The next scene is that of a battle with the Union soldiers retreating. The color-bearer falls, but William Scott rushes up, grabs the flag and rallies the Union troops, but amid the dreadful carnage he himself is shot. That night the doctors and ambulances are searching among the dead for the wounded who are still alive. They reach Scott. He is dying. A vision of the President appears before him, giving him a wreath of fame. Scott staggers to his feet, and as the vision fades away, drops dead. As a fitting climax, we see a tableau of President Lincoln taking from a Union and a Confederate color-bearer their respective flags, rolling them together and when they are unrolled displaying the Stars and Stripes.
- DirectorE.H. CalvertStarsLewis StoneMarguerite ClaytonFlorence OberleBasil Breckenridge, a broken old man on the verge of starvation, but concealing it because of his proud southern ancestry, is set upon by young ruffians on the street. The old man becomes infuriated and gives the young leader a shaking. His father, Ald. Connors, the city's political boss, happens along and attacks the old man, who strikes at him with his cane. The sword blade inside falls out and the police arrest him on the charge of assault with intent to kill. Col. Wright, attorney for the friendless, takes his case. It comes up before Judge Andrews. John Andrews, protégé of Boss Connors, has just been made assistant district attorney, and is there to prosecute. The aged defendant sees the scar on the judge's forehead and hears his name. He sees the two as rival captains in the Civil War, the Confederate picking up the wounded Union officer and taking him to his home. He recalls that when he was believed dead the Northerner took his young wife and baby home with him. Both are near him now, the first time he has seen either for decades. His wife sits behind him, his son is prosecuting him. The scar on the judge's forehead is the mark of their secret duel. A sword, awarded Capt. Knighton for gallantry and pawned by the aged defendant the day before is introduced at the trial but the defendant disclaims ownership. Recognition comes on the part of Judge and Mrs. Andrews and in chambers they plead with Connors and their son, but to no avail. The prisoner's head sinks to his breast when the jury returns. He does not rise when bidden. "Your honor," says Col. Wright, after a pause, "The defendant has taken his case to a higher court." Reverently, Judge Andrews and his wife place the historic sword in the still hands of the late defendant as they are the only persons in the crowded courtroom knowing to whom it rightfully belonged.
- StarsElita Proctor OtisIn the home of a Union officer his three children are playing soldier, the oldest, a boy of 12, acting as captain over his two sisters, who are younger. The father is about to leave for the front and is taking leave of his family. The little boy clings to father, begs to be taken along, and is gently but firmly refused. As the husband departs, the wife and children re-enter the cottage. Presently the boy takes his sword and toy drum and, unseen by his mother, leaves the house and goes in the direction taken by his father. The youngster reaches the Union encampment and is being questioned by the general as the father comes up and stands horrified to find his boy there. The little fellow salutes and asks to be made a drummer boy. The father again refuses and orders a soldier to take the boy home. This cannot be done, as the enemy surrounded the camp, and the father is finally obliged to grant the request. The new recruit is equipped with a uniform, given a real drum, and proudly marches off with a scouting party. They have proceeded but a short distance when they are fired upon by the enemy and forced to return to camp. The strength of the enemy is unknown and the general instructs a soldier to secure this information. While the conversation between them is going on the little drummer boy puts on a pair of overalls, takes a market basket on his arm and starts out for the necessary information. While crossing a field, the boy is intercepted by the enemy. They question him, but his apparent innocence saves him and he is allowed to proceed on his way, not until, however, be has counted the soldiers. Returning to the Union camp with the good news, plans are made for an immediate attack. The soldiers, including the little scout, attack the enemy and drive them off, then return to camp, where the little drummer boy is adorned with a medal for his bravery. The trouble over for the time being, the father secures a leave of absence and returns home, taking the little hero with him.
- StarsMargarita Fischer"In 1850 on the shaded hillsides of West Virginia, there lived two boy playmates-companions from childhood. They were wont to be mountaineers, and a little vein of the patriotism crept out here and anon. Eleven years later the little village of Webster was all astir one June day, when a paper was posted on the school house fence calling for volunteers to go to the front. John Mason, the younger, says, 'Ben, we'll fight together.' 'No; my people-my sympathy is there and my first duty is in their defense. Our years of welded friendship is at the parting of the ways.' The two part, one for the South, the other turns to the North, and enlists in the great cause. Two years later they meet at the first battle of Bull Run, the detachment in which John was being taken prisoner by the Confederates. Ben recognizes his former companion and risks his own life to enable him to make his escape back to the Union camp. Overcome with joy at the Southern chivalry, John proffers his hand, but Ben manfully refuses it and turns away. And history best tells us of the terrible struggles of '63 and '65 and the reconstruction period. An elapse of 35 years and we see John Mason at his quiet little home. The war is only a memory and tears come to his eyes as he thinks back and wonders the fate of Ben. He now has a grown son, who, through the influence and war record of his father has become a government surveyor for engineer work. One evening while the father is interested in a game of chess the son comes to him with a letter from the government office telling him of his appointment to an important engineering post, constructing the great dyke in Virginia. Both are pleased, and the son departs. In the course of a few weeks an elderly Southern gentleman, accompanied by his beautiful daughter, Elsie, are viewing the work being so improved, and inquire for the engineer in charge. Young Mason is pointed out and Col. Humphries greets him and introduces Elsie. The impression the two young people make upon one another is met with Col. Humphries' approval and the young engineer is invited to call, not knowing that he is the son of his former enemy. A few months later he receives a letter from his father in Ohio, saying he was going to pay him a visit. Upon his arrival he is introduced to Elsie and her father, and apprised of the fact that they expect to be married. The former companions and enemies recognize each other, and John Mason refuses to continue the interview, and threatens to disown the son if he persists in marrying the daughter of a Southerner, and Col. Humphries forbids the son in his home. Elsie defends the engineer and defies parental hatred; the object of her love receives her in open arms-they are married. An elapse of two years and a baby boy blesses their home. Young Mason, who is about to leave for other locations, writes his first letter to his father since the parting, telling him of the baby, inviting him to come back, and all forgive one another. His arrival, the old spirit of '61 is still there, but waning years mellowed his hatred, and the two old soldiers, the blue and the gray, clasp hands as tears trail down their furrowed cheeks, and Elsie, the baby, and Howard felt a new world had opened up to them."-4 Jun 1910 Film Index
- StarsWilliam CliffordVictoria FordeA romantic rivalry between a Union soldier and a Confederate is is ended when the northerner survives the Battle of Winchester. General Sheridan's ride is re-enacted
- StarsJohn Singleton MosbyHelen Mosby was very happily situated in her southern home, the idolized daughter of her father, and the pet of the younger set. She had never worried her pretty head with any thoughts of politics, so that, one afternoon, as she strolled with her father in the garden, she was immeasurably shocked when a servant handed him a telegram which read: "War is declared; your regiment ordered to Richmond. Report at once, GENERAL LEE." However, she took the shock like a true southerner, and when her cousin, Henry Bowie, appeared, dressed in the uniform of a Confederate lieutenant, she complimented him smilingly on his appearance; then her father joins them, clad in his gray frock coat, sash and sabre, and bids her farewell. Hardly has her father gone, when Arthur Boone, who has long been in love with Helen, enters the garden. Helen rises to greet him, but draws back in horror as she sees him in a Union uniform. Arthur does not notice this, however, and proposes to her, but Helen's answer is a strong negative. "I can never marry a man who fights in the Union army!" Sadly Arthur leaves, bidding her farewell and shaking hands warmly with Henry, who has long been his friend. Four years later a detachment of the Northern army is pushed back by Southern sharpshooters, under Lieutenant Bowie. Arthur Boone is the last one of the Northerners to retreat; he fights until his ammunition is exhausted, and then runs through the woods, with the Southerners bot after him. Lieutenant Bowie, not knowing that it is his old friend, follows close on his heels. Right to the old Mosby mansion Arthur runs, and vaults through the open window. Helen Mosby jumps from the chair she had been occupying and levels a gun, which she recognizes her lover. He tells her of his predicament, and although she is torn between her emotions of love and duty, love finally conquers, and she hides him in a closet, just as Henry Bowie, sabre in hand, comes into the room. He greets his cousin pleasantly and tells her that they believe a Union officer has entered her house. She shakes her head, but allows him to search, which he does thoroughly, even though the very closet where Arthur is hiding, but in prodding the clothes with his sabre, he missed the Union officer, and goes away satisfied that the officer, whoever he was, has made good his escape. Then, the next day, the shoe is on the other foot; Henry Bowie is pursued by Union men, under Arthur Boone. Henry, too, makes for his cousin's house. She hides him, and then steps out onto the porch; as yet, no one is in sight, Rushing back into the room, she hastily dons a Southern uniform that has been in her possession for some time, and then, looking out the window, she sees the Union soldiers surrounding the house. When they have surrounded, Helen, in her man's attire, steals out by a side entrance. They soon discover her, however, and she leads them a merry chase, only to return by a different route to the house, and, gaining on them, reaching the house she tears off the uniform, and when the Union soldiers enter, only a tired little Southern girl stands before them. They demand the prisoner. She protests innocence. Then they arrest her. This is too much for the concealed cousin, and he emerges from his hiding place with a bound, and he, too, is caught in the grasp of the law. Henry is sentenced to be shot. He is guarded by a lone sentry. Helen escapes from her place of imprisonment, and smiling sweetly at the sentry, induces him to look the other way while she has a word with her cousin; she slips him a small piece of wire with which he picks the lock in his fetters. Then Helen goes away and returns in the uniform of a Southern lieutenant. Henry steals away and Helen takes his place. Shortly after the firing squad arrive, then it is discovered that they have the wrong man. When Captain Boone hears of it he orders that they shoot the substitute. Standing erect, they bind her eyes, tie her hands behind her back, and just then, two soldiers enter with Henry. "Let them both be shot!" are the Captain's orders, not noting in his rage that it is his old friend. The guns are leveled. "Ready, aim..." but before the word "Fire!" is given a messenger dashes up and hands a dispatch to Arthur: "The war is over. U.S. GRANT. Commander. U.S.A." Then Arthur commands the firing squad to halt, and as he approaches the prisoners he is violently surprised to see his old friend Henry. Going to him, he takes both his hands: "Thank God, those bullets were not fired!" Henry explains who Helen is. Arthur turns to her in amazement, saluting, she takes off her cap. Then Arthur holds out his arms, and only too willingly does the little southerner enter them, for in union there is strength.
- DirectorFrancis FordStarsFrancis FordMina CunardWilliam A. CrinleyJim, Joe and Pat are all in love with Betty. Joe and Pat enlist in the Union army and leave for the front. Betty promises to give her answer to the three lovers at the end of the war. At the front Pat is given a message to carry through the Confederate lines. In doing so he meets Joe and falls before him in an exhausted condition. Joe, thinking Pat is dead, delivers the message and takes credit for the deed. Pat, upon recovering, is captured by the Confederates and put in Libby prison. After the war he returns north and finds the girl is married to Jim. Joe is hailed as a hero, while Pat comes home in disgrace. Disgusted with life, he becomes a hermit. Years later across the road from the old shack where Pat lives, a large mansion is built. Jim and his wife move into this home. One evening a tramp appears along the roadway and meets Pat, who recognizes him as his old friend Joe, who had betrayed him in the war. Pat forgives and forgets and takes him into his home. Meanwhile Betty is taken very ill and while her husband is away, a servant comes over to the shack and asks help. Pat and Joe go to the mansion, where Betty recognizes them, just before she dies. The story ends with Jim, lonely in the big mansion, going across the shack where Pat and Joe are playing checkers. The three friends are reunited as the scene fades.
- DirectorLawrence B. McGillStarsFritzi BrunetteThomas R. MillsVirginia WestbrookThe girl's father wants her to marry her rich suitor, but she loves the poor one. One evening, both young men are calling on the girl. Her father is all attention to the rich fellow. The girl puts a record into the phonograph and she and her sweetheart sit back in the shadows as "Annie Laurie" is played. The father's face softens; he sees himself a young man courting his sweetheart back in the early sixties. The Civil War breaks: he goes off in a Union uniform, carrying a knot of ribbon from the girl, and the last thing he remembers is her voice singing the old familiar "Annie Laurie." He is wounded and taken to the house of a Southern girl who cares for him and sends for the Northern girl and her father. When they arrive he does not know them, until the girl, inspired by a sudden thought, kneels at his bedside and sings "Annie Laurie" to him. Then he remembers and they are soon in close embrace. At this point in his dream the old man awakens. The phonograph is still playing "Annie Laurie." The young lovers, in their dim corner, are oblivious to all but themselves. Remembering the days of his own romance, the father suggests to the rich suitor that they leave the young pair alone.
- DirectorAllen HolubarStarsPaul ByronHelen LeslieAllen HolubarAn old veteran tells how the Civil War unhappily changed his life. Unfounded jealousy, nurtured while he was in battle, caused him to loose his best friend and his young bride.
- A re-creation of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the trail of John Wilkes Booth. The film ends with the allegorical representation of Lincoln receiving the reward of virtue.
- StarsRiley HatchSherman BainbridgeCliff BaldwinDuring a temporary cessation of hostilities below the Mason-Dixon line, Col. Carlton is granted leave of absence, and accompanied by Lieut. Carney, his daughter's sweetheart, visits his Southern home. There Lieut. Carney is honored by Virginia Carleton, accepting his proposal of marriage. At the expiration of their furlough, the lieutenant and the colonel leave to rejoin their regiment. Strife of war dangerously adjacent prevents the making of a trip by the Carltons to get a new wedding outfit, with the result that the mother unpacks the attic trunk and her own wedding gown undergoes alterations for the happy occasion of her daughter's marriage. Meanwhile, the opposing armies draw nearer and Grant's force is discovered by the Confederates to be in a weak condition. To enable the strategic maneuver of the Confederates taking advantage of this position of the Federals, Lieut. Carney voluntarily assumes the perilous responsibility of slipping through the Federal lines to warn other Confederates of the contemplated attack, likewise securing their reinforcement. This plan of Lieut. Carney's is thwarted at a crucial period by the Federals detecting his effort to get through their lines. Carney's horse is shot and he is compelled to seek safety in flight. The chase ends with Lieut. Carney fleeing to the home of his sweetheart, hotly pursued by the determined Federals, who suspect he hears important dispatches bearing on the hazardous position of their division. When Carney breaks into the house, Virginia and her mother are draping the wedding dress on an improvised "form" beneath which Carney is hidden as the Federals enter. Driven to desperation, Virginia is compelled to play the part of an obliging hostess to gain time. The tired Federals succumb to her charms and she is enabled to gain time to assist Carney in escaping. The officer of the squad becomes intoxicated, and Virginia, with the assistance of Carney and two family slaves, has his uniform changed to that of Carney's, and the Federal, in Confederate uniform, is put on a wagon and sent away in apparent flight, which is detected by the Federals, who give chase. Carney then escapes. With the help of the passport which he finds in the coat of the Federal officer, Carney delivers his message in safety, enabling the Confederates to accomplish their purpose. This advantage is later turned in the opposing army's favor, and the Confederates are forced into the "Hornet's Nest," where lack of water aids in weakening their opposition. Virginia's horse, ridden by Carney, is sent with a note asking for water, and Virginia accomplishes the perilous feat of carrying through the fighting lines of the Federals enough water to enable the hard-pressed Confederates to hold their ground until the Federals, in command of Gen. Grant, decide to abandon trying to gain their place of retreat. Virginia is acclaimed a heroine by the cheering army of Confederates, and she flies, embarrassed, to the eagerly waiting arms of Lieut. Carney.
- DirectorRichard GarrickStarsLynette GriffinFrank WeedMyrtle Stedman"Col. John Roberts, C.S.A., returning to his Virginia home to assume command of the critical situation in that neighborhood, finds that, during his absence, the Yankees have appropriated for their own uses, everhthing eatable on the plantation and that his wife, baby girl, and colored maid, are facing starvation. Mrs. Roberts, weak from hunger, becomes ill and the Colonel sends for a doctor, who prescribes "good, wholesome food, to be taken three times a day." Roberts is called away at this moment, and the prescription falls to the ground unnoticed by all except "Baby Betty." The child, with intuitive understanding of the situation, picks up the paper, and, with a Confederate flag over her shoulder, starts for the Yankee's headquarters, which is near at hand. Unknown to her mother and "Aunt Cleo," the baby makes her way through the northern lines and finds her way into Colonel Howard's camp. That gentleman, big-hearted Yankee that he is, reads the prescription, and, with thoughts of his own dear ones at home, orders one of his men to carry a large basket of provisions through the lines to Betty's home. The following day both armies line up opposite each other at the edge of a nearby clearing to engage in battle. They are about to open fire when suddenly the attention of everyone is arrested by a little figure in white sleeping peacefully in the center of the battlefield. A truce is called and the two commanders ride out to investigate the embarrassing situation. They find that the sleeping child is "Baby Betty," who has unconsciously halted the impending conflict. Realizing that there can be no fighting that day, the commanders agree upon an armistice and each army retires amid cheers for "Baby Betty," the little rebel." Moving Picture World Apr-June 1912 p.1258
- DirectorEdward LeSaintStarsGuy OliverBessie EytonBaby Lillian WadeJim Sherman, a Northerner, living in the South, joins the Federal forces. His heroic wife, Jane, and his baby daughter, Lillian, bid him a sad farewell. The Federal recruits are quartered some miles down the river, and there come tidings to the new soldier from his wife and little daughter, and he returns them a letter, which they open feverishly for news. He encloses a little letter for the child, and she is delighted. Immediately she laboriously starts out to send a letter to her father in reply. Just about this time a lot of Confederate officers, who are making a daring reconnaissance toward the Federal lines, drive into the yard of the Sherman home and take possession of the house. The mother is very much frightened at this invasion, but the officers are gentlemen, and are soon made at home. Lillian quickly makes friends with the men. The business of the officers, however, is urgent, and they soon dismiss the family from the room, get out a war map and as Lillian has returned and is playing on the floor with her doll she is allowed to remain in the room. They set her down from the table, where they have been showing her the map, and while she is apparently innocently playing with her doll, she is all ears, listening to their plans for the capture of the Federal camp, where her father is stationed. This plan is embraced in a message that Col. Mooney places in his hat. Lillian purposely breaks the head of her favorite doll, then shows it tearfully to Col. Sayles, who tells her to take it to her mother to be mended. She exits in presumable great grief. Once out of the room, she rushes joyously to her mother and explains to her what she has heard. The mother realizes the importance of the message, and when she invites the officers to lunch, instructs Lillian to get the note if possible, and make a copy of it. The child follows instructions, replaces the original in the hat that has been left in the front room, and afterwards gives her mother the copy. While the men are still at the table, Jane, the mother, rushes to the stables, secures a mount and quietly rides toward the Yankee lines. As the officers are weary from the hard riding, and wish to give the horses a rest, they take long leisure at the luncheon, but after a while time presses and they go back to the front room. Maj. Mooney, examining his hat and finding his message still there, is unsuspicious and sends the orderly to the stable to get their mounts ready. Meantime, little Lillian uses her wiles with such charm that the officers are loath to leave such pleasant company and resume their hard ride. When the orderly returns from the stable and reports "one horse shy," there is instant commotion. Until now the lady of the house has not been missed. There is a grand rush to the stable and the old hostler is threatened with death if he does not tell them who has taken the horse. He stolidly refuses to give the information, and they return to the house, questioning the child and threatening to cut off her ears unless she tells them where her mother is, but she simply laughs in the faces of the officers. They see questions are useless and as time is passing, decide at once to ride forward. In the meantime, Jane is speeding toward the Yankee camp with the information safe in the sole of her shoe. Eventually she comes to a bridge, where she sees a picket-post that will make her passage impossible. She deserts her horse and, running a distance through the woods, swims the stream a distance above the bridge. She reaches the Yankee camp and is led to headquarters with her news. Instantly there is a commotion in response. The entire camp is up in arms. Jim meets his wife, and is ordered to take personal charge of her. The Union soldiers take the bridge where the picket-post which blocked Jane's path is stationed and quietly advance on the general body, and the Confederates, instead of surprising them as originally planned, are themselves surprised and overcome. The Federal charge is quick and decisive. The Confederates retreat in disorder. The Colonel in command, out of gratitude for the valuable service of Jim's brave wife, gives him a three months' furlough to visit his home, where the Confederate coup was frustrated by the cunning of baby Lillian.
- On the street of a little Tennessee town a mob is attacking Banty Tim, a hunchback negro, with the intent of driving him out of the community. To the rescue of the poor black comes Tilman Joy, a Union soldier. He places himself in front of Tim and commands the mob to fall back. Two or three times the mob press forward, but Tilman demands that they hear his story. It was at the battle of Vicksburg Heights that he, Tilman Joy, was wounded. Presently he saw a crippled form crawling on hands and knees toward him; it was Banty Tim, who in the past had received some kindness at the hands of Joy. Tim raised the body of the helpless soldier upon his back and with the rebel bullets flying all around him reached the Union lines with his burden. The negro hunchback had saved the soldier's life, and as Joy tells the tale to the infuriated mob reaction takes place. They press upon Banty Tim and in turns grasp his black hands and with many expressions of good wishes resolve that he is a man and a brother and henceforth a good citizen of Spunky Point.
- DirectorJ. Stuart BlacktonStarsJulia ArthurEdith StoreyEarle WilliamsBarbara Frietchie's defense of the American flag and the death of a Union soldier in battle bring a tribute from both sides.
- DirectorHerbert BlachéStarsMrs. Thomas WhiffenMary Miles MinterGuy CoombsAn old woman in Frederick, Maryland during the U.S. Civil War displays her American flag in defiance of the armies of Confederate general Thomas J. Jackson. Based on the folk tale that grew from the poem by John Greenleaf Whittier.
- DirectorLambert HillyerStarsFlorence VidorEdmund LoweEmmett KingTwo lovers in a small Maryland town are torn apart by the Civil War: she is loyal to the South while he heads North to join the Federal Army, determined to protect the Union. Eventually his unit arrives in his hometown and he is reunited with his lover, but things aren't the way they used to be.
- One of the brightest examples of true patriotism was exhibited by a woman in a most remarkable manner during the Civil War. The heroine was Barbara Frietchie. It occurred in the town of Frederick, Md., where every household was divided in its sympathies. George Mason, whose mother was a Frietchie, was an ardent Unionist, but his brother William was strong for secession. Virginia Iredale loved George, but her sentiments were opposed to his. This gave William a footing with her which he strove to improve by every means in his power. It was about the time of General Lee's prospective invasion of the North. In accordance with that idea. General Stonewall Jackson had turned the faces of his men northward. Everywhere in Maryland he was acclaimed with joy, though not so vociferously as further south. Jackson met with no hostile demonstrations, though thousands were so inclined. In the big town of Frederick, there was not one protest against the Confederate invasion, but stay! there was one, a dear old lady of eighty years, whose great big loyal heart led her to do an act of heroism that was sublime! Jackson, at the head of his hosts, entering Frederick that balmy September day, beholds the starry flag floating from a modest brick dwelling. Others have seen it, too. A score of muskets belch forth as one shot and the Stars and Stripes hang by a cord from the shattered flagpole. In a flash the window is raised, framing therein an aged but sweet face. A pair of feeble hands grasp the broken pole and once more the Stars and Stripes defiantly flutter. Then are uttered those well-remembered words: "Shoot if you must, this old gray head, but spare your country's flag." The butts of a hundred muskets leap to the shoulders of the Gray Coats, but the next instant the stentorian tones of brave General Jackson ring out: "Attention! Who touches a hair of yon gray head dies the death of a dog!" Then with a salute, he and his men marched on. Barbara Frietchie belonged to history. This glorious act decided Virginia Iredale as to her course in love and politics. Virginia thought she loved her Southland more than the Union, but when she saw the old flag waving in Aunt Barbara's hand, she knew at once where her real sympathies were, and as a result of this decision, her fair head found a resting place on the broad and manly bosom of George Mason.
- We are upon the site of some of the greatest and bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain will live as long as the history of the war endures. Views of many famous spots and of the winding Tennessee River make a most interesting picture.
- DirectorJ. Stuart BlacktonLaurence TrimbleStarsRalph InceMaurice CostelloJulia Swayne GordonThis patriotic and historic picture portrays the writing of the famous national hymn by Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. In the early part of the Civil War President Lincoln was very much discouraged at the lack of enthusiasm and the tardiness with which the people answered the call for volunteers to join the army. Mrs. Howe, in talking the matter over with the president, become very much impressed with the need of arousing the people to a fuller appreciation of the cause of the North and the maintenance of the Republic. The matter weighed so much upon her mind she could think of little else; during her slumbers she was so obsessed with her theme that one night in her sleep she arose from her bed and penned these immortal words: "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword. His truth is marching on. I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps. His day is marching on. I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel; 'As you deal with my contemners so with you my grace shall deal; Let the hero born of woman crush the serpent with his heel, Since God is marching on.' He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh! Be swift my soul, so answer Him! Be jubilant my feet! Our God is marching on. In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea; With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy let us die to make men free, While God is marching on." This poem was published broadcast throughout the North, immediately the people became enthused with the noble cause of freedom; recruits poured into the stations and enrolled their names as volunteers. President Lincoln expressed his own and the nation's gratitude to Julia Ward How for sounding the key note of the battle cry of freedom. In addition to showing the reasons for and the conditions under which the poem was written, this film illustrates the meaning of the different stanzas of this poem in the allegorical tableaux and retrospect visions of the world from the earliest ages, making clear and fully interpreting the spirit which breathed patriotic fervor into the hearts of the people throughout the North, leading them to victory and the preservation of the Union.
- DirectorLaurence TrimbleStarsJulia Swayne GordonRalph InceMary MauriceJulie Ward Howe is inspired to write the Battle Hymn of the Republic by visions of the great movement of history and the hope that Lincoln will free the slaves. The song causes a Northern mother to relent and allow her son to go to war.
- DirectorKenean BuelGeorge MelfordStarsGuy CoombsAnna Q. NilssonHal ClementsQuite unintentionally, Agatha Elton, who resides in a small Pennsylvania village, permits two men to fall in love with her. Ralph Covington, an honest young farmer, pays ardent court and wins her promise. Meanwhile she has given her portrait to Rev. Garter Chase and the youthful clergyman experiences great difficulty in concentrating his thoughts upon the preparation of his sermons. At the Sunday services Agatha sings in the choir and her earnest efforts to help Rev. Chase in his work bring them constantly together. One afternoon the minister, finding that he has no peace of mind, comes to the conclusion that he can rise to greater accomplishments in the community if Agatha becomes his wife. He goes to her cottage to propose. There he finds her in conversation with Covington and he realizes that a stronger bond than that of friendship exists between the couple. He returns to his study, broken in spirit. The following Sunday, the services are interrupted when a messenger brings word that Fort Sumter has been fired upon. A company is recruited and Covington, commissioned a captain, leaves for the front. Believing that Agatha is sorrowing for Covington, the minister seeks to comfort her and in an unguarded moment he declares his own love. As the realization of his error comes over him, he begs forgiveness and returns home, where he has a struggle with his conscience. The following Sunday Rev. Chase informs his congregation that he has decided to answer his country's call and in a few days he joins Capt. Covington at the front, just as a terrific battle is taking place. The ammunition is exhausted and Covington, returning with a new supply, is thrown to the ground, badly wounded by an exploding shell. His wagon takes fire and Chase, seeing the affair from the lines, rushes to his assistance. Chase drags Covington to a place of safety as the burning wagon, laden with powder, is hurled into splinters by the explosion. A bayonet charge follows and the Federals rout the enemy. When the victorious Federals camp near a river, Virginia Merrill, a southern girl with northern sympathies, finds herself in the midst of hostilities. Capt. Covington, with a detachment of troops, crosses the river and Virginia overhears a Confederate plot to attack the camp while the southerners have the advantage in numbers. She sets forth to overtake Covington and finding he has crossed the river, the girl secures a horse and fords the stream under a rain of bullets from the Confederates who have discovered her flight. Meanwhile, the camp is attacked and Chase is wounded. The Confederates leave to ambuscade Covington's party, which is returning, and the captain, severely injured, is about to drown during the battle at the ford, when Virginia sees his danger and, swimming out to him, she brings the officer to the shore. Some time later, while Chase and Covington are convalescing in the hospital, they exchange confidences. Covington announces that the brave southern girl has won his heart, and Chase acknowledges his love for Agatha. A letter from the northern girl, in which she informs Covington of her love for the minister, opens the way. Covington replies that he is bringing her all the happiness in the world and she is unable to comprehend his meaning until he arrives in the village and brings the clergyman to her side.
- DirectorFrancis FordStarsWilliam CliffordVictoria FordeGrace CunardAt the time the play opens the .Southern army is harassing the Unionists. The Northern spy force is augmented and Grace, whose brother, Harry, is already in the secret service, joins it. She meets Harry and together they take a coach to the Southern town they have selected to spy upon. A prominent colonel in the Southern army deals with dispatches, and it is this man that Grace investigates while Harry awaits events. The colonel has a sweetheart, May, and Grace manages to got an introduction to her at a ball by purposely tearing her dress and appealing to May for help. This leads to an acquaintance with the Colonel, and she practices all her woman's wiles and fascinations upon him and he is impressed with her. Grace learns that important dispatches are to be forwarded and plots to get into the colonel's house. She manages matters cleverly, and contrives to have her carriage break down before his residence. The colonel endeavors to get rid of her, but she stalls him off until the arrival of May, when he has to hide her in the next room. May comes to warn him about Grace, for she is suspicious and her woman's intuition tells her that Grace is there for no good. The colonel tries to defend Grace, who gets a chance to change the dispatches for false ones, but drops a letter by mistake, and escapes by way of the window, giving the dispatches to her brother. May sees the letter of commendation from the North. A servant has seen Harry. The colonel rides off after him. He catches up with him as they ride into the battlefield, and in a hand-to-hand duel Harry is killed by the colonel, who is himself mortally wounded by a stray bullet. Grace returns to Washington and receives compliments and rewards. She returns to her home with a clouded conscience, and while sitting looking at her reward, the specters of Harry and the colonel appear and beckon her. She is forced to go with them, and together they appear on the battlefield and they show her their own bodies, and slowly they fade away and their specters enter their dead bodies. She comes to and staggers to the stairs to get assistance. She faints and falls down the stairway and dies.
- DirectorCharles GiblynThomas H. InceStarsWillard MackCharles EdlerAnn LittleA young woman's sweetheart fights for the Union, while her brother fights for the Confederates, in the pivotal 1863 battle of the U.S. Civil War.
- DirectorKenean BuelStarsGuy CoombsAnna Q. NilssonMiriam CooperBartlow joins Stuart's Confederate brigade. A year later the Federals are holding Pottsburg Creek Bridge near Bartlow's old home. Bartlow plans to burn the bridge and interrupt the Federals' line of communication. To aid in the scheme a party of Stuart's brigade attack the sentries to hold their attention while Bartlow accomplishes his mission, but on the way to the bridge, Bartlow is discovered by a sentry and badly wounded. He manages to get ashore and reach his home. Jessie, his sister, dressing in a suit of his clothes, finally reaches the bridge, sets fire to it and escapes. In the meantime Stuart's men have drawn the Federals in force across the bridge. Quickly retreating, the Confederates blow up the end of the bridge. The Federals thus are caught between two fires, and to save their lives are obliged to jump into the water and swim for shore, where they are quickly made prisoners by Stuart's men who are waiting for them along the banks.
- DirectorJoseph W. SmileyStarsJohn InceBlanche WestRobert DrouetAt the beginning of hostilities, Tom Winston, despite the pleadings of his sister Ellen, an ardent Confederate, goes North and acquires a commission in the Federal Army. Frank Carey has entered the Confederate service, though his sister Ethel, furiously denounces him as a traitor, and asserts her intention of herself serving the Union. Both girls become identified with the secret service department of the South and North, respectively. Tom is with Grant, Frank with Johnston, and the armies' movements bring them into the neighborhood of their homes. Tom has with him Don, a dog that had been used in the old days to carry messages between his master and Ethel. Union headquarters are established in the Winston home, affording Ellen an opportunity to acquire many valuable secrets which she communicates to Frank, and it is the belief that some officer is proving a traitor. Tom watches his sister closely, and one night observes that as she sits merrily chatting with the Union officers, she is using her fan in such a manner as to make the dots and dashes of the Morse code to Frank, who is concealed in the shrubbery, making notes of the information. Tom discovers Frank, overpowers him, and succeeds in taking from him the memoranda, but allows him to escape. Tom places the memoranda in his pocket. The Battle of Shiloh has begun and Tom is given an important dispatch, ordering up supporting brigades. He proceeds on his mission, but is pursued and badly wounded. Unable to go on, Tom gives the dispatch to Don, telling him to carry it to Ethel. Don does his part, and Ethel undertakes to deliver the order. She is hotly pursued by Confederate cavalry, and only escapes by jumping her horse from a cliff into the river, a deed which none of her pursuers will attempt. They do not fire upon her, but wave their hats and cheer as her horse swims the stream and climbs the other bank. The dispatch is delivered, and the reinforcements begin a forced march to the assistance of the Federals. Meanwhile, Tom has been picked up by a Federal party, unconscious, but not dangerously wounded. The memoranda taken from Frank is found in his pocket, and it is concluded that he is the supposed traitor. A drum-head court-martial condemns him to he shot. The battle is now raging fiercely, the victorious Confederates pressing steadily forward. The Federal position is carried. Tom is captured and sent to the Confederate rear, where he succeeds in eluding his guards. Despite the sentence hanging over him, he determines to rejoin his troops. Johnston is killed, the triumphant advance of the Confederates falters. Tom reaches the Union lines, he rallies a breaking regiment and leads a fierce charge. The tide of battle is turned; Frank is captured. The battle lulls, the Confederates sullenly withdraw from the field. Tom is immediately arrested and placed under guard. Frank learns of the fate in store for Tom, and to save him, confesses himself to be the spy, Tom is released. Frank is held as a spy, but cleverly effects his escape. Frank goes to his home to attempt to induce his sister to go South with him, as he must accompany the southern army further into the Confederacy. Tom has gone to see his sister, to endeavor to induce her to give up her dangerous work as a Confederate spy, and has been captured by a squad of Confederates while at his home. He sends a note to Ethel informing her of his situation. Ethel secures several Federal troopers and makes her brother a prisoner. Under a white flag, Ethel and her squad approach the Winston home, and Ethel proposes an exchange of prisoners. This is agreed to, as well as a temporary truce; then Tom and Ethel turn to the North, while Frank and Ellen ride away into the Confederacy.
- DirectorD.W. GriffithStarsCharles WestBlanche SweetCharles Hill MailesUnion soldiers march off to battle amid cheering crowds. After the battle turns against the Union Army, one soldier runs away, hiding in his girlfriend's house. Ashamed of his cowardice, he finds his courage and crosses enemy lines to bring help to his trapped comrades.
- DirectorOscar EagleStarsWinifred GreenwoodCharles ClaryHarry LonsdaleBelle Boyd was one of the most daring and dashing figures of the South in the great Civil War. She was captured and imprisoned a number of times, and was personally commended by General Stonewall Jackson for her distinguished services on behalf of his army and her country. The details of this story are fictional, although it is an historic fact. Belle Boyd went through the zone of fire on a battlefield, escaping by dropping to the ground between every volley and then jumping to her feet and running toward the Confederate battery. The scene opens with the home of Belle Boyd in neutral ground. She and her girl companions are "sewing-up" the gallant battle-scarred Southerners, whose uniforms were necessarily neglected after the first few years of strenuous service. The watchful darkey runs into the parlor where the tailoring is proceeding on the living models and sounds the alarm, "The Tanks are coming," The Confederate officers desert their sweethearts, mount in hot haste and make for their lines! They are well out of the way when a Federal troop of cavalry escorting General Shields and staff come upon the porch. The General says they must use the house a few moments to discuss battle plans. Aunt Cloe ushers them into a parlor at the invitation of Belle Boyd. This parlor is rather dilapidated. The General sends his orderly out to inspect the premises to observe if they are safe from eavesdroppers and posts a sentinel at the door of the parlor. The soldier inspects, but he no sooner leaves the room above the parlor than Belle Boyd emerges from hiding in an old armor. She darkens the room, draws aside the rug in the center and looks through the hole in the ceiling, sees the plans exposed on the parlor table below and hears of a plot to capture General Jackson. She makes note of them, as they are most important for "the cause." When the officers depart she is at the front door to bid them "good bye" and through substituting a blank roll secures the battle plan from an enamored subordinate. Men follow her wild ride and her race through the battlefield, bringing information that saves Jackson's corps from defeat.
- DirectorRobert Z. LeonardStarsRobert Z. LeonardElla HallAbe MundonBetty is the daughter of a Southern planter and her self-imposed daily task is the distribution among her father's slaves of necessities and food. Betty is known and loved by all the mammies and pickaninnies on the plantation, and one day while she is distributing her dainties an old mammy gives her a queer chain and tells her that if she will rub it three times, she will see her future husband. Feeling is pretty high in the South over the slave question and one day Bob, a young Southern lawyer, while talking to a crowd, tells them that because of his love for the South he must fight against it. This angers his hearers and a fight ensues. Bob is overcome by numbers and takes refuge in flight. He finds safety in a hedge nearby where Betty lives and his pursuers fail to find him. It is spring in the south and Betty, like all young girls, is full of thoughts of love and romanticism. She finds pleasure in solitude and while she is dreaming of her hero, she suddenly looks up and finds herself facing Bob. Both of them realize they have met their ideal. War is declared and there is a pall of sadness over the women of the south, for they know that they are taking their last look at many of the laughing faces of friends and loved ones. Bob, in accordance with his convictions, goes to the north and joins the Federal forces. In the gloaming Ella is seated with her mother and father. The darkies with their ebullient spirits are singing the songs dear to the hearts of all southerners. Lulled by the crooning songs, she falls into a doze. A vision of Bob appears to her in the flames. She sees him in danger and stretches out her arms to him. Her hand is scorched by the flames and she wakens screaming. Meanwhile the war is on with all its horrors. Bob, in the uniform of a Confederate, is chased by Confederates and is about to be captured, when he takes refuge in Betty's room. She has just been dreaming of him, when she wakens and finds him standing at her bed. She realizes that if he is captured he will be shot as a spy. Accordingly she hides him in her closet. The searchers take her word that he is not there and leave. Betty makes Bob promise that he will never again play the part of a spy and, overcome by their mutual love, they plight their troth. Bob promises to return to her when the war is over.
- StarsStanley WalpoleEdgena De LespineDuring the Civil War, Captain Ward, a Southern officer, enters the Northern camp and manages to steal some plans. He is followed by a posse. When he reaches his own home he goes in, thinking to throw them off the scent. His wife and two children anxiously watch the windows. Suddenly the little boy spies the Northern men approaching and warns his father. As the soldiers draw up at the porch, Ward and his wife lock the front door and retreat to the library. The men break through into the main hall and seeing the closed door of the library, commence to batter it down. Ward's wife suggests that he don a gown of hers, while she puts on his cap and coat. As the men dash into the room, they pay no attention to the huddled form of a woman bending over her children, but follow what they suppose to be Ward, into the next room, allowing the soldier to escape from the house by a rear door. The men soon discover their mistake and start after Ward. The officer in command remains, however, and attempts to make love to the wife, who is alone and unprotected. Her little son, realizing her danger, runs from the house to his father's hiding place. He tells Ward, who for a moment hesitates. He does not know whether to go ahead with the plans or back to save his wife. Love conquers and he returns to the house where he knocks the Northern officer down. The boy rides on to the Southern camp, warns them of his father's peril. A party of soldiers is sent back with him and they arrive in time to put the Northern men to rout. Then Ward triumphantly hands the plans to his general, glad he has been aide to fulfill his duty to his country as well as to his wife.
- DirectorEdgar JonesStarsEdgar JonesLouise HuffJames FarrellAbout the time that General Lee was preparing to invade the North, Alfred Archer was sent by the Federal Government into Pennsylvania to look after the secret preparations to circumvent that wily general's further advance. He advises his old friend Applegate that as he will be in his vicinity he will call upon him and renew his suit of Cicely, Applegate's daughter. Applegate is delighted, but Cicely resents her father's desire to marry her off to Archer. Applegate in a rage tells her she shall never marry the man of her heart, Everett Kenyon, as he is a rebel. About this time Kenyon is sent by Lee to get information regarding the country through which he intends to march. Kenyon runs across Archer and knocking him senseless, gets away with his papers. He sends Cicely a secret message to the effect that later in the evening he will throw a pebble against her bedroom window so that she may come out and meet him. Archer is taken to the Applegate home. As the guest room is not in order Applegate compels Cicely to give up her room to him. Cicely protests and Applegate locks her in the guest room to get over her temper. Archer discovers a photograph of Kenyon in the room and realizes it is the same man that stole his papers. At the same time Kenyon shows up and throws a pebble against the bedroom window to attract Cicely. Archer, seeing who it is, shoots him from the window. Kenyon is brought in unconscious and the papers recovered. Cicely is apprised of her sweetheart's condition and told to take care of him. Then Kenyon is revived, but with a resulting loss of memory. Archer leaves to complete his mission, placing Kenyon in Applegate's care until his return, when he intends to give him over to the authorities. When he returns some weeks later he finds Kenyon recovered, but still in the dark as to who he is and what has gone before. Cicely tries to arouse the resemblance of their former love and to get him to escape, but fails. After Archer and Kenyon leave. Archer sees a better way to revenge himself on Kenyon. Without realizing what he is doing Kenyon allows Archer to enlist in his regiment and later, when the two armies meet, Kenyon is fighting side by side with Archer against his old companions in gray. At a crucial moment in the battle Kenyon gets the Confederate flag away from the flag bearer. Then his memory returns and he tears the hated blue and rebel flag clutched in hand and turns on the Yankees in an effort to help drive back their advance. One of his former fellow officers sees the action and remembering that Kenyon turned traitor and entered the Northern ranks has him captured and sent back of the lines under guard. After the battle, Archer is brought dying to the Applegate home. There he makes a clean breast of the matter and Cicely hurries off to the Confederate lines to help her lover in his extremity. Kenyon is court-martialed, but Cicely gets to the general in command just in time to get his release.
- DirectorD.W. GriffithStarsLillian GishMae MarshHenry B. WalthallThe Stoneman family finds its friendship with the Camerons affected by the Civil War, both fighting in opposite armies. The development of the war in their lives plays through to Lincoln's assassination and the birth of the Ku Klux Klan.
- DirectorCharles GiblynStarsRichard StantonMildred BrackenSherman BainbridgeThe story opens with the agitation just preceding the secession of the South. John Rivers, a Union sentimentalist, is forbidden by staunch Southerner Colonel White to call upon his daughter Grace. At the slave market the following day, husband and wife Old Sam and Mammy are bought by Rivers and Grace respectively. War is declared and Rivers is appointed to a captaincy in the Union Army. Sam goes to the front with Rivers, and there are some amusing scenes when he is ordered by Rivers to buy some chickens, but gets away with them "in the natural way." General Butler, under whom Rivers is fighting, receives word from McClellan that Colonel White's army is concentrating at Bethel, Va. The opposing armies meet, and the Unions are victorious. Colonel White is badly wounded and Rivers sends for Grace before her father passes away. After the death of her father, Grace leaves for home. When the war is over, Rivers returns to his Southern home and Old Sam and Mammy plan to bring Grace and her erstwhile sweetheart together again. Rivers learns that Grace is having trouble with her creditors and in order to appease their wrath, her property is to be sold. He instructs his lawyer to purchase the property. The old Negro parson, who has been taken into the conspiracy by Sam and Mammy, writes this letter to both Rivers and Grace, the one supposed to be written and signed by Rivers, the other by Grace. "My foolish pride has caused us a world of suffering. I have been all to blame. Will be at the old elm at noon. Please meet me and let us talk it over." Each receives the letter, they keep the appointment and in a moment they are in each other's arms. The auction sale takes place and Rivers finds the note purporting to have come from him in a sugar bowl, where Grace has hidden it. He is puzzled for a moment, and then understands how "the Black conspiracy" worked out.
- DirectorFrancis BoggsStarsTom SantschiHerbert RawlinsonFrank RichardsonThe Civil War has begun, and Mace Brewer goes to the front, leaving his young wife alone. His friend, Joe Saunders, also has to leave his aged mother and answer the call of duty to his country. The misfortunes of war claim Mace, and at night as Joe, sorely wounded, limps off the battlefield, he leaves Mace for dead. Soldiers burying the dead, discover life in Mace and he is hurried to the hospital, where the surgeons succeed in reviving him. Thinking Mace dead, Joe writes to his mother of this tragedy, and she sadly shows the letter to the wife. Joe returns. Mace's widow calls for the details of his death. After recovering from the operation it is found that Mace's mind is affected, and he is taken to an asylum for treatment. A year passes and we see Joe a sturdy blacksmith, being visited in his shop by his mother and the widow with whom he is plainly in love, but he lacks the courage to tell her so. Finally one Sunday on the way home from church, he manages to slip a note into her hand. He has asked her to place a lamp in the window that night if his answer is to be "yes." Fearfully Joe watches for that light and is overjoyed when it appears. Mary accepts him. At the close of another year, Joe and Mary are supremely happy in the possession of a baby. These two years have completely restored Mace to health and reason and he is discharged from the asylum. So he goes back to his home. Mace seeks his friend Joe. The horror of recognition almost makes a madman of Joe, and when Mary comes in and sees this man as if from the dead, the shock is so great she falls insensible upon the floor. Poor Mary must decide between them. She loves Joe twofold, for himself and also because he is the father of her child. But old fashioned ideas of honor compel her to sorrowfully place her baby in the arms of the father, and to go with her lawful husband.
- DirectorHarrish IngrahamCrane WilburStarsCrane WilburJode MullallyGene CrosbyIn 1865, Morgan Gray, a Confederate renegade, kills the mother, father and sweetheart of Amity Graham and later marries her. Before dying in childbirth, Amity puts a curse on Gray and all his descendants. Fifty-two years later, the family curse is visited on Morgan Gray's hard-drinking, but likable grandson Abel, who, on the day of his marriage to Northern girl Hope Halliday, mistakenly concludes that he has killed a man, thanks to the machinations of his malevolent brother Kane. Fleeing to a distant area, Abel fights his tendency toward alcoholism and tries to recover his self-esteem. Eventually he rescues his wife from a gang of villains and learns that he had not committed murder, thus overcoming the family curse.
- DirectorThomas H. InceStarsJ. Barney SherryRay MyersEthel GrandinThe cowardly son of a Confederate soldier suddenly gains courage and steals some Union plans. When he arrives at Confederate headquarters, he is shot and killed by his father, who is standing guard there.
- DirectorEdwin S. PorterStarsDavid WallTwo West Point cadets, Ned Grey from Virginia and David Stratton from New England, are classmates. One day after Dress Parade Ned introduces his mother and father and sister to David, who is invited to visit them during his summer vacation. A Southern Home: David visits his chum; falls in love with Alice Grey, his classmate's sister. The declaration of war interrupts their courtship. The lovers are separated. David joins the northern navy, while Ned enlists under the stars and bars of General Lee. Storming the hill; the order is given to capture a strongly-fortified Confederate position. The attack, colors ordered to advance; the flag falls. The retreat. Captain Stratton sees the danger, rushes to the front, seizes the fallen flag and leads the charge. The hill is taken; Captain Stratton falls, badly wounded, carried to a southern home, the home of Alice Grey. The lovers meet again. The wounded officer is tenderly cared for by his southern sweetheart. In the enemy's lines. General Lee calls for volunteers to carry important dispatches through the Union lines. Lieutenant Ned Grey volunteers. He starts on his dangerous mission, passing the Union outposts. Detected, the pursuit, wounded, chase through the swamp. Lieutenant Grey crawls to his home. Brother and sister meet; hiding the dispatch bearer. The search. Captain Stratton swears no one entered the house. Between love and duty, the fatal mistake. The dispatch bearer escapes in Captain Stratton's Union overcoat and hat. Eluding the sentry, discovered, swimming the river, through the Union lives. Captain Stratton accused. The arrest. Drumhead court martial. The fatal overcoat, damaging evidence. The verdict: "To be shot at sunrise." Alice Grey pleads for his life. She appeals of General Grant. Her refuses to interfere. She starts on horseback for Washington, pursued by cavalry. Received by President Lincoln. His great heart is touched, justice triumphs; the pardon is granted. The firing squad, breaking of the dawn. Captain Stratton prepares to meet his fate. The order is given: Ready! Aim! Hold! Alice leaps the wall on horseback, delivers the pardon, and falls fainting in her lover's arms.
- DirectorChristy CabanneStarsRobert HarronIrene HowleyW. Chrystie MillerIt was Christmas Eve in the south, but the spirit of peace and love did not pervade the northern girl's heart. The gallantry of the young southern swains, however, was more than manifest, when a drunken band of Unionists entered the house, among them her sweetheart. From him was protection needed most. His rival, a Confederate soldier, showed her that character is far above political principle, and true love came into its own.
- DirectorCharles GiblynStarsJoe KingRay MyersJ. Barney SherryJudge Breckenridge and his wife, his daughter, Alma, and his son Robert are living together in 1861. Robert is expelled from a military academy on account of his intemperance and comes home to a very angry father. Robert's habits do not improve; he falls in with bad companions. The war breaks out and the town grows mad, waving flags and marching around. Recruits are called for, and Judge Breckenridge is elected an officer. Robert attempts to enlist, but his application is refused, as he is slightly inebriated at the time. Sullen and angry, Robert goes to a saloon where he meets Lieut. Burr, a Federal secret-service man, in disguise. Burr makes himself agreeable and the two become friends. Late at night Robert goes home and endeavors to sneak into the house. The judge awakens and, finding Robert in an intoxicated condition, again orders him away and disowns him. The next day Burr meets Robert and persuades him to accept a commission in the government secret service, and following the plan outlined, Robert goes to another Confederate post and enlists. Scenes of battle are shown, with thrilling encounters between the two armies. Robert manages to keep in communication with Burr, and it is arranged to lure the Confederates into an ambush. Robert receives a letter from his mother, as follows: "My Dear Son, Was so thankful to hear from you. Your father joined the Fifth Virginia and is somewhere in your locality. He will be proud when he knows that you are fighting for the cause. God guard you and bring you safely back to me. With greatest love. Mother." The darkies are singing "My Old Kentucky Home," and as the strains of the music from the banjos come to his ears Robert's thoughts are wafted back to his home. In a tremendous conflict of emotions he has a revulsion of feeling and decides not to betray the South. Accordingly he sends a false dispatch to Burr, telling him that the rebels will attack Benton Bridge that night, but to disregard it, as it is a ruse to distract attention from the enemy's left, which they intend to storm in full force. Burr therefore protects the left wing of the Union army, and the Confederates attack in full force, sweeping away the right wing and falling on the left and defeating it. During the thrilling battle Robert is wounded, and in undressing him the messages from Burr are found. He is arrested as a spy, and a dramatic scene takes place as his father, in charge of the court martial, finds that he is to judge his own son. Robert is convicted and sentenced to be shot, meeting his death without fear. The war ends. Some years afterward Judge Breckenridge and his wife are seen in their home. While reading the paper the judge comes to the following item: "Supposed Southern Traitor Really a Hero." "A remarkable instance of wartime has just come to light through a statement made by Lieut. Burr, U.S.A. Secret Service, during the war. It seems that Robert Breckenridge, the son of Judge Breckenridge of Blairsville, Kentucky was not the traitor he has been pictured, but was really a Southern hero, as it was through his loyalty and strategy that the South won the battle of Blairsville."
- DirectorThomas H. InceStarsCharles RayLouise GlaumClaire KroellVirginia Chester visits her Aunt Betty who resides near an Army post. Lieutenant Calhoun falls in love with Virginia, and after a whirlwind courtship persuades her to marry him secretly. Helen Brassey, the Colonel's daughter, is in love with Calhoun and gets her father to help her win his affections. The Colonel holds out glowing pictures of promotion and a great future, and the lieutenant regrets his marriage to Virginia. She has managed to conceal her marriage from her father, extending her visit upon various excuses, and Aunt Betty aids her in the concealment. The birth of her son makes her secret marriage a serious consideration, and she telegraphs Calhoun to come to her, he having been removed to a distant post. He wires back advising her to get a divorce, and the shock kills her. Aunt Betty raises the boy and sends him to a military school, giving him her name. Twenty years elapse, and the youth is a graduate of a military academy. On her deathbed Aunt Betty tells him the story of his birth, and John burns with a desire to avenge his mother. The war breaks out and he secures a lieutenancy under Calhoun, now a general. On the eve of a great battle, John keeps the southern army advised of every move made by the northern officers, by means of a telegraph wire he has tapped, and the northern army is completely outwitted and ambushed. The Confederates win a glorious victory, and capture General Calhoun. Colonel Chester, Virginia's father, releases Calhoun and forces him to fight a duel, in which Calhoun is killed. The meeting between General Calhoun, his son, and Colonel Chester is one of the most dramatic situations ever seen in moving pictures.
- DirectorWilliam A. CrinleyStarsFred HumesRegina DoyleTwo veterans, one from the North, the other from the South, have continued the animosity born in the war. Peace is finally brought by the marriage of grandchildren.
- DirectorSidney OlcottStarsGene GauntierA continuation of the adventures of a girl who is a spy for the Confederacy.
- DirectorThomas H. InceStarsCharles RayHazel BuckhamCyril GardnerCol. Hamilton takes pathetic leave of his daughter, Edna, and his young son, James, and goes to the front to fight for the Southern cause. The opposing armies are seen in thrilling battles. One day Capt. Blake receives orders to go on a foraging expedition, and arrives at the Hamilton home. The soldiers make short work of the chicken coop, Don, little Jimmie's pet horse, is taken. The old Negro servant puts up a stubborn fight to save his young master's pet, but is knocked down by a soldier. Further punishment Is prevented by Capt. Blake, who arrives upon the scene. Jimmie rushes to the captain and begs and pleads for his horse. The tenderhearted young officer is touched by the tears and grief of the boy, and finally gives him back the animal. Edna sees Capt. Blake about to take a drink at the well and, nerved by her hatred of the North, rushes out and dashes the shell from his hands. Amused by the little spitfire, Blake solemnly bows and says: "In the North our men are gentlemen, and the women, ladies," and walks away, Edna, ashamed of her conduct, battles with her emotions for a few moments, and calls the Captain back, offering him a drink with her own fair hands. After his departure, Edna learns of his kindness in saving Jimmie's horse, and the captain did not suspect the impression he had made on her heart. Some time later the Union Army is in desperate straits, being attacked by a heavy force. The troops tight against tremendous odds, refusing to surrender, and Capt. Blake volunteers to pierce the enemy's lines and deliver a message to the Union general commanding the other wing to come to the rescue by consolidating the forces. Blake makes a thrilling ride, pursued by Confederate soldiers, who shoot his horse and wound him. Weak and staggering, he finds himself near the Hamilton home and drags himself to the door, Edna and Jimmie do everything in their power to make him comfortable, and he is saved from capture by a clever trick, blacking his face and hands and putting him in the Negro quarters. The pursuing soldiers are told by old Mammy that he is her son who has been shot by the man they are searching for. The booming cannon in the distance greatly distress Blake, who realizes the predicament of his comrades. In desperation, he asks Jimmie to do him a favor and makes him promise on his word of honor not to tell any one. The grateful boy is staggered by the request Jim makes, of riding to the Northern general with the message, and refuses at first, but in splendid dissolving scenes visions of his pet being restored to him are seen, and he agrees. The boy makes a daring ride, and the Union forces are saved. The Confederates are driven back through the town, and Col. Hamilton, to save himself from capture runs into the Negro cabin, where he is astounded to find his daughter and a Northern officer. In an instant his gun is in his hand, but he is stopped by Edna, who explains the situation. The pursuing Northern soldiers arrive at the door and Blake hides Hamilton behind the bed, and informs the soldiers that no one is there. He rejoins his command, and rides away. After the war is over Blake comes back to the Hamilton home and is joyfully received by Edna.
- John and Allen Grigsby, brothers, own and operate a general store at Hopkinsville, Ky., and our opening scene occurs on the wedding day of Allen, the younger brother. The wedding party are gathered at the home of Judge Hopkins, whose pretty daughter is the prospective bride. Word has been received that the first shot has been fired at Fort Sumter, and even in the midst of the wedding festivities the conversation of the excited guests turns to the talk of war and its possibilities. The judge has drawn up a document which he is going to ask his neighbors to sign, declaring their allegiance to the Southern cause. All the men are asked to meet at the Grigsby Brothers' store two weeks after the wedding, prepared to declare their principles and to sign or refuse to, the oath of allegiance. The guests then depart tor the village church to witness the wedding ceremony. The second scene occurs two weeks later, showing in a faithful manner the interior of a village store in Kentucky in 1861. Young Allen signs the oath of allegiance and calls his brother to do the same. His brother reads it slowly and hands it back again, saying: "I am sorry, Allen, but I cannot sign that paper." The hot-headed boy can scarcely believe what he hears. "Do you mean you are going against me? Against our own people?" "I am going to do what I think is right, Allen." With an oath the younger brother springs at John's throat, but the neighbors separate them and lead Allen from the place. Four years later on the Rappahannock, the Confederate regiment with which Allen Grigsby is serving as a captain has been trapped. The Federals have closed in on all sides of them. The Union troops, sure of their prey and anticipating an attack from the redoubtable Jackson, are playing a waiting game. The Confederate colonel, knowing that Jackson is but five miles away, calls for a volunteer to get through the enemy's lines and apprise Jackson of his predicament. Allen is selected, and disguised as a Union officer starts on his dangerous mission. A Union spy directs Allen to take a road leading towards the Federal's main camp, and then hastily notifies Colonel John Grimsby, who sends a lieutenant with a squad of cavalry to capture the spy. An exciting scene follows, for Allen puts up a brave fight, but, overwhelmed by numbers, he is marched off to the temporary stockade prison, where our next scene occurs. Colonel John Grigsby is in command of the regiment which is stationed at the prison, and receiving an order from the brigade commander he enters and calls the number Allen is known by. He then reads to him the fateful order. "Execute at sunrise." As Allen stands up to hear his sentence, John sees his prisoner for the first time. With a cry of horror he recognizes his own brother. John Grigsby now stands face to face with one of the strangest of all war possibilities. He as the commanding officer must punish with death the spy captured within his own lines, and that spy is his own brother. The stricken man offers his hand to Allen. "A man does not shake hands with his executioner," is Allen's reply to his offer. During the night, which Allen feels to be his last on earth, a vision comes to him. He sees the girl wife he left behind in old Kentucky. Allen, shaken by the vision of his wife and boy, relates the dream to John and pleads for his liberty that he may go to them. Suddenly a plan forms itself in John's mind. "I can't and won't let him die like a dog." He acts at once, and unbuckling his sabre and revolver belt, strips off his uniform coat and quickly puts them on Allen, gives him the password, and then with quiet intensity says, "My horse is outside. Ride straight ahead until you reach the river, then keep the Shell road to Warrensburg. It's only five miles. Jackson is encamped there. Stop, give me that revolver: I may need it. I'll give yon five minutes' start, anyway." The brothers clasp hands, and Allen, disguised, darts out of the door. John listens until the clatter of the horse's feet dies out, then deliberately shoots himself in the shoulder. The report of the revolver shot brings the guard, who, seeing his commander wounded and the prisoner gone, rushes to the officers' quarters for help. When they arrive John feigns unconsciousness and thus gains a few precious moments for Allen. Finally he tells the anxious officers that, being unable to sleep, he called to get the address of the condemned man's friends so that he might write them of his fate. That he was met by a stern refusal, and that as he turned to leave the man sprang upon him, and in the struggle be was shot and lost consciousness. The camp is aroused, but Allen, mounted on Colonel Grigsby' big bay, leaves all pursuit behind and makes good his escape. Three months later, the fight at Buckton's Bridge. During the action Colonel John Grigsby leads a charge against the infantry massed at the enemy's end of the bridge. A young Confederate officer, with his regiment's colors in his left hand, leaps out in front of his kneeling men to steady them against the Federal attack. Colonel Grigsby gives the order, "Draw sabres! Charge!" The grey line breaks and gives way in spite of the young officer's pleading. The boys in blue with a yell of triumph dash for the captured end of the bridge, firing as they come. Colonel John sees the brave Confederate flag bearer stagger. He orders his men to cease firing and goes himself to the officer's assistance. As he lowers the wounded man to the ground he is horrified to find that he is looking into the face of his own brother. "It's the fortune of war, John. Good-bye; take care of Laura and my boy.'' And young Allen Grigsby dies in his brother's arms. Two years later, Allen Grigsby's widow recognizes her husband's brother. Her heart is bitter towards him at first, but his worn face and the sorrow in his voice softens her anger, "Laura, the war is ended. Can't we be friends? It was his wish, for he died in my arms. Fell fighting for the cause he thought was right." She gives him her hand. The breach is healed. He gives the widow her husband's last message, and with bowed and reverent head the sorrow-stricken woman murmurs. "Father in Heaven. Thy will be done." A picture story full of the pathos that grips the heart. The kind of a story that will live always. - The Moving Picture World, April 3, 1909
- The Civil War is on, and one of the Howard boys, Jack, is an officer in the Union army. He and his younger brother, Harry, who is a West Point cadet, are so much in love with pretty Emily Woods that they have grown to hate each other bitterly. They do not conceal their enmity even when in the presence of Emily, who does all she can to alleviate matters. Suddenly there comes a proclamation from the President that all cadets on furlough are to report for war duty, and Harry's luck is to be enlisted in the same regiment and under his brother Jack. Jack is hard and vindictive, and one of the first things he does to make the lot of his brother a miserable one, is when he orders him to polish his boots. Harry promptly refuses, and when there are no other soldiers around both men engage in a violent quarrel. Words grow more bitter, until Harry, while realizing that his brother had the upper hand as far as rank is concerned, suddenly springs on Jack. They struggle all over the tent, but Harry proves the stronger, and succeeds in binding Jack. Meanwhile, at home, their mother is in bed, dangerously ill. When the doctor finally pronounces her beyond his aid, Emily and her sister, who have been attending her faithfully, write a note to Harry in the vain hope that he might be able to let his mother see her baby boy before death. When the letter reaches camp, however, the cadet has disappeared and Jack gets it. Being an officer he has no difficulty in departing for home at once. But when he arrives and steps into the bedroom, he is astounded to find his brother already there. For a moment the men face each other like two tigers, but Emily and her sister speak softly to them, and they both drop over the feeble form of their mother. With her last strength she takes the hand of each in hers, and counseling brotherly love as her last wish, closes her eyes in the slumber that knows no awakening.
- StarsAlbert McGovernHarry MyersIn 1863, two brothers were conducting a prosperous brokerage business left them by their father. The older brother was very industrious; the younger was easy-going and inclined to drink. Through his negligence, the business was brought to ruin in spite of all the older brother could do. When the crash came, the younger brother, ashamed of himself, went home, left a note to his mother stating that he was unwilling to be a burden to her, and went away. The older brother saved enough out of the wreck to open a country store. In the village, he met a young girl and they became sweethearts. Meanwhile, the younger brother had gone from bad to worse and finally became a derelict and a tramp. In the course of his wanderings, he come to the village and as chance would have it, called at the home of his brother's sweetheart in search of food. She took him in and gave him a meal and some clothes. While he was eating, the tramp overheard him tell the girl that he had been drafted to go to the war. Though he was anxious to become a soldier, he hesitated on account of his mother and sweetheart. In that moment, the prodigal was overwhelmed with remorse and determined to redeem himself. When his brother left, he followed him, stealthily entered the house, found the drafting paper, stole it and immediately presented himself at the recruiting place where he was accepted in place of his brother. The last scene shows him in the midst of a battle fighting bravely and recklessly. Suddenly he drops, mortally wounded. During a short period of consciousness before his life is ebbed away, he has a beautiful vision of his mother, his older brother and the latter's sweetheart, now his wife, living in happiness and peace.
- The story opens in a little Northern village in 1861, where soldiers and their friends are clustered about in the village square. Evidently a company is about to start for the front. The hero, a bugler, and his sweetheart stroll on and are observed in front. He puts a ring upon, her finger and both are plainly making mutual promises. The time comes to start, the girl, who holds the bugle on her lap, hangs it proudly on her lover's shoulder and as he tears himself away she points to it, to the flag which is waving overhead and to herself, three promises to which he must be faithful. As the company marches away she waves good-bye until they have disappeared, then yields to her grief. One year elapses and the scene changes to the encampment of the Union soldiers at a gloomy period of the war. The dejected men mope about while their comrades are dying with fever. It is night and the hero is sitting alone in front of his tent discouraged with his surroundings. An old negro passes by wearing a coat and hat of a civilian. He is carrying a spade and following the bearers of a dead soldier. A temptation comes to the hero, and we observe it thrown as a vision on the screen. He sees himself waylaying the old darkey in an obscure spot, buying his civilian's clothes, hiding his bugle and his own uniform and deserting. The vision fades as the old darkey returns. The hero bargains with him for the coal and hat and is about to take them when there comes to him s vision of the day a year before when he parted from his sweet heart on the village green. He sees her as she was that day and hears her voice telling him to be true to his duty and to her. A realization of his shame comes to him; he drops the coat and hat with loathing and, with renewed determination to endure his hardships, throws himself in the door of his tent to sleep. The scene now changes to the following morning. A stir is observed in the Confederate lines, a Federal picket observes the activity and is soon galloping desperately to carry the information to the Union forces. A group of officers are holding a consultation in front of the hero's tent as the picket gallops up and tells the news. The young man starts from his sleep, receives hurried orders from the officers and carefully blows his bugle. The camp is astir with preparations for the battle. The scene now changes to the battlefield. The Confederates are driving the Union forces before them. The Union soldiers are apparently routed. Suddenly, however, the hero appears among them and tries to rally them. He blows his bugle, is joined by other soldiers and rushes forward. The sound of the bugle causes the Federal troops to cease their flight. The bugler is wounded and falls motionless upon the field. Reverting to the Northern village, the people are receiving news of the battle. The heroine carefully looks over the list of killed and wounded, finds her sweetheart's name and regardless of protest, starts for the front. She goes at once to the army hospital, where she finds her sweetheart weak, but on the road to recovery. General Grant appears and shakes the hero's hand. He intimates that there is someone else who is waiting to see him and the heroine is brought in and she and her lover are reunited.
- DirectorKenean BuelStarsGuy CoombsAnna Q. NilssonHal ClementsBattery B makes its headquarters at the Colwell Mansion. During their stay of a month, Major Pitt and Bugler Harkness lose their hearts to the two Colwell girls. Major Pitt, summoned to the front, leaves Bugler Harkness alone in charge of headquarters. During the battle that follows, Battery B bears the brunt of the fight and does not surrender until almost the last man is killed. A cavalry charge carries the day for the Federal troops and the triumphant northerners, advancing upon the town, receive an unexpected check at the Colwell Mansion. A cannon that has been left at headquarters owing to an accident to one of its wheels, is operated by Bugler Harkness and the girls to such good effect that the Federals are compelled to retreat. A visit from Stonewall Jackson, who has been a distant witness of the brave boy's work, transforms the bugler to a lieutenant.
- DirectorSidney OlcottStarsJ.J. ClarkAlice HollisterJ.P. McGowanCaptain Jasper, a Union officer, is sent on a secret service mission to the Confederate headquarters. Safe through the lines Captain Jasper, disguised as a Commissary Supply Agent, meets old friends who are Northern sympathizers. Visiting Confederate headquarters, information is supplied him by an ally. Suspicion is eventually aroused against the Captain and he is arrested. Pamela, a Southern girl with Northern sympathies, decides to aid the Captain's escape. She bakes a loaf of bread with a hook and cord buried therein. Taking the bread with other delicacies to the Captain's prison she is allowed to present it to him. Being advised of the contents of the loaf of bread the Captain that night gets to the roof of his prison, lowers himself to the ground and quickly makes his escape. A month later Pamela receives a letter from the Captain saying, "I am back with my regiment, thanks to you. An opportunity to send this letter through the lines emboldens me also to enclose a ring. Will you wear it, and when the war ends I will come for my bride."
- DirectorEdward LeSaintStarsGuy OliverStella RazetoLamar JohnstoneThis picture tells the story of Ralph Tillman, a clever United States Secret Service Agent and telegraph operator, who is instructed to report to the War Department. He is sent to General Sickles to become a northern spy. He chooses Frank Lyons, another telegraph operator to accompany him. Before leaving Washington, he calls upon his fiancée, Vera Colby, and tells her of his perilous assignment. In the South, Tillman meets Roxy, a beautiful waif, who understands telegraphy. She falls in love with him, but discovers that he is a Northern spy. She catches him telegraphing important news, covers him with her revolver and telegraphs to the Confederate camp that she has caught a spy. He tells her of his love in the North, and she permits him to escape. Tillman goes North to his sweetheart, finds her married, and returns South to bring love and happiness to Roxy.
- DirectorAlbert S. RogellStarsKen MaynardTarzanDorothy DwanDuring the American civil war, the Union is at a point where it desperately needs gold to pay for the armies and to maintain its credit. Agent Bob Scott is sent to California to eliminate the bandit gangs that have been attacking the gold shipments being sent back east. He joins the gang of Butch McGraw and ingratiates himself with the leader. He falls for pretty young Molly Butler but puts his life in danger when he goes against some members of the gang who kidnap Molly from a stagecoach.
- DirectorFrancis J. GrandonStarsHarry A. PollardMargarita FischerEddie LyonsOld Corporal Ellison had a daughter who married and, shortly after the honeymoon, the young couple invited the old soldier to come and live with them. The old father accepted his daughter's invitation and for a time is happy in his new surroundings. But he dreams dreams. He lives his military life over again. His comrades are on the march; he hears the sound of the drum. The past appeals to him and the past is living. It is the real thing. For are not his brother veterans still alive to talk with him about the deeds they used to do in the days of old? So yielding to an irresistible temptation to connect himself with the strong and herald past, he quits his daughter's home and rejoins his old comrades, who, of course, are glad to welcome him back. After the old man has disappeared the daughter and her husband go after him and try to induce him to return to their home, but no, the call of the drum has conquered, and the story ends with the old father refusing to leave his comrades.
- DirectorBenjamin ChapinStarsBenjamin ChapinLincoln's life in the White House at the time Fort Sumter was fired upon is shown, and the many problems he was forced to face at that momentous hour are brought out with great clearness. His calm when surrounded by hot-headed advisers, each one determined that his scheme for saving the Union must be adopted, and the depth of his feeling at thought of a divided nation are clearly indicated by the action of the story and Benjamin Chapin's acting of the President. The human side of Lincoln is amusingly shown by the incidents of his two boys, "Tad" and Robert, when they run away from their lessons and go swimming in a nearby pond. The way their father protects them from the consequences of their prank and helps them to dry their wet clothing before the grate fire furnishes a humorous sidelight on the character of our best loved President.
- DirectorWilfrid NorthStarsCharles KentFlorence FoleyEarle WilliamsIt is a source of great grief to Alkanah Dyzer that his son Rupert has joined the Rebel Army. He drives him from the house, telling him that he never wishes to see him again. Rupert's brothers are also furious with him and will likewise have nothing to do with him. George Dyzer, who has joined the Northern Army, loses his arm in a battle and is taken prisoner by the Rebels. In the hospital he makes the acquaintance of the "stranger in gray," a man greatly beloved by the soldiers. The stranger takes him to his brother and by his strange influence causes the hate between the two men to vanish. The stranger in gray arrives at Alkanah Dyzer's house just as he has heard the news of the loss of his whole fortune. He is cordially welcomed and offered the best hospitality. While in the house the stranger prevents a growing rift between John Dyzer and his wife Emily, who is almost on the point of elopement with Harry Faulkner, a visitor to the house. By reminding them of their dead child and their duty to their remaining little one Lillie, he causes husband and wife to realize their real love for each other. The stranger calls Mr. Dyzer and his family into the parlor, where he bids him to take down his father's portrait, reputed to be very valuable. Taking off the back, the stranger shows them that between the painting and the backing had been hidden a fortune in bills, put there by his father. This treasure is enough to re-establish Dyzer's fortunes. To complete their happiness the stranger stays for the birthday party that is being given that evening. Leaving the house for a few moments he returns, bringing with him the two soldier boys, George and Rupert, whom he presents to their father and mother. The work of the stranger being completed, he bids all farewell and passes out into the night. As he blesses them on his departure, they are brought to think of the Carpenter of Nazareth and of the loving kindness that watches over us all.
- A drama of the South during the Civil War.
- DirectorLincoln J. CarterA dramatic story in which Civil War battles around Chattanooga are re-created.
- StarsJere AustinJohn MackinGeorge Hollister Jr.Hard pressed by the Federal troops, Morgan and his men flee across the bridge. Just before the pursuers come in sight one of Morgan's telegraphers taps the telegraph wires suspended underneath the bridge and learns that a quantity of supplies is being sent to Captain Wellington, of the Union forces. The Confederate leader places powder along the length of the bridge. The Federals come into view. Just as they are about to cross, the structure is blown skyward. Baffled, the Union soldiers are compelled to withdraw. Wellington receives the supplies and orders them stored in the cellar of his home. He and his wife are in the drawing room admiring a daguerreotype showing them seated with their four-year-old son, Jack, when a servant announces the approach of the raiders. The Captain hastily gathers together his silverware, which he places in a chest. Obeying an impulse, he throws the daguerreotype into the chest. Turning to two faithful old negro servants, he orders them to conduct Mrs. Wellington, Jack and the chest to safety. Shortly afterward the Captain is slain. A bullet strikes his wife and she shares his fate. Lugging the chest, the two servants hurry down to the river, with Jack tagging behind. The three tumble into a rowboat and head for midstream. Their flight is discovered by the raiders. A bullet kills the old mammy. To lighten the craft, the other servant throws the chest overboard. The next moment he is struck by a bullet and topples into the water. The rowboat drifts downstream, finally grounding near the landing of Stokes, a fisherman. Ward, a banker, is talking to Stokes at the time. They discover the boat and in it Jack, weeping bitterly over the body of his old mammy, Kate, the three-year-old daughter of the banker, places her little arms about the sobbing boy. Years pass. Jack, grown to manhood, becomes a civil engineer and is in charge of the dredging operations on the very river down which he drifted to safety. Although adopted by Stokes and his wife, Jack and Kate have practically grown up together. Their childhood affection has turned into love. Harry Memling, in Ward's employ, is also in love with Kate, but the girl turns a deaf ear to his avowals. Later, Jack asks Ward for his daughter's hand, but the banker gravely tells him that the marriage cannot take place because he fears that the mulatto woman found dead in the rowboat may have been Jack's mother. The following day the dredge brings up an old chest from the river bottom. An examination of its contents brings to light the old daguerreotype. In the picture of the child Jack recognizes himself. Hastening to Ward, he tells of his find. Faced by the prospect of losing Kate, Memling is filled with murderous rage. That same afternoon he knocks Jack unconscious while aboard the dredge and places him in the bucket, which he then lowers into the river. The dastardly act is witnessed, however, and Jack is rescued. Kate and her father learn of the terrible deed and hasten to the vessel. While Jack is revived by his sweetheart, Memling is led away under arrest.
- DirectorThomas H. InceStarsJack ConwayBillie WestMildred HarrisMildred is the heart link between a sturdy blacksmith named Judson and his wife, their only child and a fascinating personality. Judson is living in the danger zone when he decides to be one of those responding to Lincoln's second call for troops. He leaves his work and his family, just as loyal men must do in time of stress and storm, and becomes a private in the Union army, but there is an added stimulus, the troops in gray are within striking distance of his home. The parting scenes between the blacksmith and his wife are unusually affecting, due largely to the exceptional acting of the lady who plays the lead, whose name has not been furnished. She displays striking capability throughout the play, though I do not recall having seen her face before on the screen. The little girl, Mildred, does all that might be expected of a child under the circumstances; she knows nothing of patriotism and glory, and her opportunities come later on. All three leads are consistent performers. When the tide of battle rises to the village where the blacksmith's family lives the inhabitants flee on foot and in all sorts of vehicles with whatever valuables they can carry. Mildred is seated in the rear of a wagon when she drops her doll, and she climbs out to recover it. She stands gazing at the stream of refugees passing her for a while, then wanders away and is lost in neighboring woods, where she is exposed to the fire of both armies. She wanders on and on, hugging her doll close to her breast, while the ravages of war are going on all around her. She screams when shells explode near her and runs from them in horror, but she escapes uninjured until nightfall. She is not far away from the Union lines when the soldiers in blue stack their arms and light their camp fires, and her movements are noticed by one of the pickets, her own father. He challenges; receives no answer and fires. He is overwhelmed with grief on finding that he has severely wounded his precious little girl and deserts his post to carry her to his own house. His wife has returned in search of her little one and lies prostrated with grief over her loss. There is an affecting scene when the three are brought together, but other sentinels have discovered the absence of Judson, have reported him as missing from post, and a squad has been sent to capture him at his home. He is placed under arrest, tried by drum head court martial and sentenced to be shot at sunrise. So much for the liberty of him who sacrifices all that he holds dear for the sake of liberty. He is brought to a realization during his brief imprisonment that patriotism counts for so little in the end that he had better have stuck to his forge and his family. Now comes little Mildred's opportunity. She and her invalid mother go to the tent of the officer in command to plead for the life of the man who yielded to God-given instincts in saving his child at the risk of leaving his post unguarded. The rules of war are not those of compassion, and the weak creatures are not permitted to enter, but the child takes the law into her own hands and slips by the sentry. Her appeal in behalf of her father is the high point in the drama, and it is successful in every sense of the word. The stern martinet refuses with grim determination until the child's gentle presence recalls a parting scene at his own home, when he gradually relents. The prisoner is set free and restored to his family. In artistic conclusion, in relief from the conventional, the commanding officer is seen in his tent absorbed in his work when he receives a letter and a package from Mildred. The latter contains her doll. The note says, "I am sending you my best doll because you were so kind to daddy. When he is through fighting, please send him home." -- Moving Picture World synopsis
- DirectorMack SennettStarsFord SterlingMabel NormandHenry LehrmanCohen is a sergeant in the Union Army and the bitter rival of another officer for the attentions of Rebecca. Like most burlesque Jewish characters of this period, this caricature borders on anti-Semitism. Yet Cohen is also the hero of the film.
- James Thornton loves and is beloved by the beautiful Marjorie Caselton. He has for a rival the young sheriff of the village, George Haskan, who being rejected by the fair Marjorie, is bitterly vindictive towards Thornton, and only awaits an opportunity to visit vengeance upon him. The War of Secession is inflaming the young blood over the entire country and the patriotic fever is disrupting hearts and homes. But Jim Thornton, though loving the National Flag with deep ardor, does not rush to defend its serenity, because he is the sole support of his aged and widowed mother. Tom Devins, a friend of Jim's father, and a participant in the Mexican War, but now a Federal major, brings the news to Jim of the pending strife, and expecting the lad to shoulder a musket, is indignant at his refusal. The sacrificing mother, however, tearful and trembling, gives up her Jim to the Northern cause. Then does Sheriff Haskan renew his advances to Marjorie, and by reason of his constant exploitation of Jim's slim chances of returning, the girl accepts him and exacts his promise to care for Jim's mother as well. Jim is fighting bravely for Old Glory under the valiant ex-Senator, Col. Baker, commanding the 1st California, when he learns the awful news by letter from home. An awful frenzy soars through him, and forgetting all else, deserts his regiment. He is apprehended at home by Sheriff Hasken, who hurries him back to his commandant. Disgrace and death confront him! But the heartrending letter from his mother and his own previous heroic fighting, soften his superiors and Jim is restored to his company. Then follows the terrible engagement at Balls Bluff and wherein Col. Baker is struck down and Jim is seen in the very forefront rescuing the colors. Rapid promotion is given him and a secret commission whereby he is granted leave with his men to tarry a week at home. At this juncture, Haskan has formulated his plans so that Marjorie is at last to become his bride. The fatal "yes" is about to be pronounced when in bursts Jim and his men. Haskan skulks off discomfited and Jim reaps his reward by uniting in wedlock with his fair Marjorie.
- DirectorHowell HanselStarsBurr McIntoshRichard NeillLily CahillBefore the Civil War, two young people contract a secret marriage. They are Nancy Carter and Robert Gill. Nancy's father has objected to Robert because of his drinking habits. Robert pledges Nancy to drink no more. While their marriage is still a secret he forces his way into the Carter drawing room at a time when it is crowded with guests and blurts out the secret that Nancy is his wife, insisting that she go with him. The next day in a repentant state of mind, Robert rides his horse beneath the window of Nancy's room and pleads for her forgiveness. She cannot forgive. He draws a pistol, fires a bullet into his own heart and drops from his horse, dead. Years later, Nancy Gill and her daughter Laura, now 16, are living at the home of Col. Carter, in Virginia, at a time when the Civil War is in its final stages. Col. Carter is in command of a Confederate regiment. He is the nephew of Nancy Gill. The two armies are forming their lines for a battle near Col. Carter's home. He leaves his command and goes home to protect it against a raiding party, which has been sent out by the northern army. The raiding party arrives before he leaves. He hides in the shrubbery near the house. The raiding party is commanded by Lieut. Tom Klutchem. Laura appeals to him to spare their home. These two young people fall in love at first sight. The home is not destroyed. Col. Carter had witnessed what has taken place between them. In the war, Lieut. Klutchem is wounded and Laura nurses him. At the end of the war. Col. Carter endeavors to persuade Mr. Klutchem, Sr., to finance a railroad scheme, and only succeeds in doing so after quarreling with him. Laura and Tom Klutchem become engaged and are married, and Col. Carter is made happy by the presentation to him by Aunt Nancy of land upon which there is coal. Then Mr. Klutchem agrees to finance the railroad.
- StarsRuna HodgesWhen Dick Langley marries a pretty Northern girl, stern Confederate veteran Major Langley, still bitter against the North, vows that Dick nor any of his blood shall ever enter his father's house again. Edith, also proud, and hurt at her father-in-law's injustice, registers the same vow. After a few years Dick dies, leaving his wife and little daughter to struggle for existence. Through her former friend in Dick's hometown, Edith secures a position in the school; Runa and her dog is left in charge of the friend. The Colonel stern, ill-tempered and gouty, is sitting in his garden. The dog comes through the hedge, rubbing against his gouty foot. The Colonel is furious and raises his cane to strike the dog. Runa comes after her dog and receives the blow intended for the dog. She is angry and expresses her opinion of the bad old man. The Colonel, used to obedience and terror, is astounded. He is unable to rid himself of the childish vision and accordingly has his chair moved near the hedge so he can see Runa at play. At last he sends his servant in to bring her back to him. Runa refuses to go, but sends back a note to him saying that her mother does not allow her to associate with bad old folks. Colonel nearly has apoplexy at this, and is more determined than ever to have Runa come in and see him. He then sends a note to her and asks her to come and teach him to be good. She considers a moment and then consents. Her mother returning from school sees her about to enter the house with the Colonel and rushes after her child and reminds the Colonel of his oath and then exits angrily with the child. The Colonel has become greatly attached to the child and gets an idea. He sends for his lawyer and deeds the mansion and grounds to his grandchild. Sends note to Edith asking her forgiveness and saying that he is now dependent on her child. Edith hesitates, realizes that the old man has changed, leaves the decision to Runa, who decides that they can be friends. Life is thereby changed and made easier for everyone concerned.
- Col. Malcolm drives his dissolute son Dick from his home. Dick goes north and enlists in the Union army. At the same time Col. Malcolm is mustered into the Confederate service. Shortly after the beginning of hostilities Dick is detailed to penetrate and Confederate lines as a spy. He is promptly captured and taken to Confederate headquarters, which happens to be in the tent of his own father. Dick is court-martialed and ordered to be shot. When the death sentence is read Dick trembles like an aspen leaf and shows he is a thorough coward at heart. Col. Malcolm, horror-stricken at the terrible position in which his son is placed, still remains loyal to his oath and allows the order of the court-martial to be executed. Seeing the craven spirit of his son he determines to save his honor by telling the boy the bullets will be drawn. Dick believing himself safe, goes to his death with the appearance of bravery.
- DirectorOtis TurnerStarsHobart BosworthBetty HarteRobert Z. LeonardLet us imagine ourselves back to the period of turmoil and strife and fight of brother against brother, in 1860-1864. In the States, at that time, guerrillas, better known as "unlawful warfarers," were the pest and fear of both North and South. We see a Southern family gathering, interrupted by this fearful band. Their behavior in the home brings to the rescue of her mistress the old negro mammy, the family cook, who is daunted by nothing. A secret message is dispatched by the young daughter to Col. Morgan's camp, the anxious household awaiting with bated breath the result. The child, determined to reach her father, is wounded by a picket before her identity is known. Message received, Morgan commands, surrounds and annihilates the guerrillas.
- A thrilling story of the friendship of two brave men throughout the trying days of the Civil War. Through battle's strife, the toil of march and the ceaseless activities of the camp, they shared their meal and woe and drank from the same canteen.
- Two comrades go into service under Grant, the one is wounded in battle but is rescued by the other. Afterwards the one falls asleep on duty and he is sentenced to be shot. His comrade goes to Grant and pleads for his friend's life which he is granted.
- DirectorKenean BuelStarsGuy CoombsAnna Q. NilssonHal ClementsLieutenant Yancey's southern sweetheart, Rose, is jealous of Elinor, a northern girl, who is visiting her aunt Mary de Lane. This jealousy is excited by an invitation which Yancey receives from Mary to call and meet her niece. Yancey visits the de Lane home, and while walking along the river with Elinor, he shows her where the Confederate Ironclad is being constructed. Elinor, having strong Union sympathies, reveals the location of the Ironclad to the commander of the Federal gunboats. An attack is made on the Ironclad and Yancey rides to give warning. The Confederates are temporarily helpless as their power is exhausted. Yancey, knowing that a supply of ammunition is loaded on a train in another location, prepares to bring the needed powder to his compatriots. As the train is about to leave, a Federal scouting party rides up and opens fire. Rose and Yancey jump on the engine and make a wild dash to escape with the powder. Elinor, from a distance, sees the fight and sets fire to the bridge over which the train must pass. While riding over the bridge the last car catches fire. Yancey, who has been wounded, is left in the engine cab while Rose crawls over the loaded train and succeeds in cutting off the end car just in time to escape the explosion. The powder is delivered to the Ironclad in the nick of time, and a fierce battle wages between the Confederate vessel and the Union gunboats.
- DirectorSidney OlcottStarsGene GauntierA story of the Civil War. Scene I: John Ward's Bride. The Home Coming. It is the early summer of 1857. Assembled along the path leading down from the broad verandas of comfortable old southern home to the river is a group of negroes. They are the plantation slaves waiting to welcome the new mistress. Happy, contented and well cared for, they are as joyous and noisy as a bunch of school children just dismissed. From the house comes an old negro waving a cane to silence the crowd. It is Uncle Daniel to whom all the administration of the estate is entrusted. Following him comes his young master, John Ward, and his bride. Each woolly head bends submissively as they pass. Now Uncle Daniel introduces the new mistress and a shout of welcome is given to an accompaniment of glistening teeth and rolling white eyes. Scene II: Three Years Later. John Ward Starts tor the War. Scene III: The Guerrilla's Insult. Scene IV: The Guerrilla Takes Possession of the Ward House. Scene V: Uncle Daniel Defends His Mistress. Scene VI: Mrs. Ward's Refuge. A Cabin in the Forest. Scene VII: Lieut. Ward Starts on a Hazardous Undertaking. Scene VIII: Ward Secures the Plans. Scene IX: Uncle Daniel Rescues His Master. Scene X: The Spy's Substitute. Scene XI: Uncle Daniel Delivers the Plans and Brings Help in Time of Need. After many discouraging efforts Uncle Daniel makes his way through the swamps and deserted plantations and manages finally to stagger into the Confederate quarters. He delivers the papers to the officer of the day. As the Officer is examining them the general rides up. One look at them shows him here are the plans they have been hoping and praying for. Suspicious of a trap the general questions Uncle Daniel. Uncle Daniel tells of Ward lying wounded and destitute at the deserted cabin. The general orders a squad to take provisions and march to his aid. While they are forming Uncle Daniel falls to his knees in thankfulness that his master and mistress will soon be saved. Off he staggers, followed by the relief squad. Back to the cabin Uncle Daniel hurries as fast as his feeble old limbs will carry him. He tells Ward help is coming. In marches the relief squad. Ward's first words after saluting are of the plans. The officer tells him they were delivered safely by Uncle Daniel. Ward extends his hand to his faithful old slave. As Uncle Daniel takes it hesitatingly Charlotte lays her own across their joined hands. Brave old Uncle Daniel has been faithful to his trust. Not only has he protected his mistress but he has saved his master's life and honor. As Ward and his wife gaze on him affectionately he murmurs gently, "It was for massa sake and little missa."
- DirectorCharles MaigneStarsLionel BarrymoreWilliam P. CarletonFrancis JoynerMilt Shanks lives a shamed life, hated by his neighbors for having been a traitor to the North in the American Civil War. But Shanks carries with him a secret, one he promised Abraham Lincoln to tell no one.
- DirectorUlysses DavisDuring the Civil War there were a great many Northerners whose sympathies were with the South. They believed that the war was an unjust aggression maneuvered by Northern politicians, and aided unthinkingly by hotheads in the South. These men possessed more than ordinary moral courage, as they were sneered at by their neighbors and derisively termed "Copperheads." Old Stewart Witman was one of these. He lived in Michigan in those troublous days. But he had a son who was ardently espousing the cause of the old flag. The boy was only sixteen, but he enlisted in its ranks. Then Witman rose in his might and such a burst of anger that little household had seldom witnessed. Despite tears and protests from wife and daughter, Witman scratched the name of his first born from the family records, for the heart of the old "Copperhead" was adamant. We now see the boy drilling the awkward squad, a truly laughable scene, but withal a heartrending exhibition of wonderful devotion. Later on we witness how these boys fight for the old flag, with that youngster gallantly leading them through the thick of strife. Thus does he serve his country honorably until the close of the war, though the heart of his parent is untouched. He has no son. The boy carves a name for himself in civil life. The war is over. He enters college and then educates himself for the law. But dark days have come upon the old man, the father. He is about to be ejected from the old homestead, and this news comes to the ears of the boy, who is now on the fair road to prosperity. So one day he comes back. But his parents recognize him not. He makes himself known and is clasped in his dear mother's arms. The father turns from him, though his old heart wells up with tears. The boy stretches forth his hand and suddenly all barriers are thrust aside: father and son unite in one loving embrace.
- DirectorGeorge CochraneStarsThomas JeffersonAntrim ShortAnna DodgeThe only surviving Civil War veteran is forgotten by his community on Memorial Day. He regains public attention when he , and a young boy captures a murderer.
- The story opens as Corporal Truman leaves home to join the G.A.R. parade, shows his reunion with his old comrades and the parade itself and the decorating of the graves and all the real happenings in a noted New England village. Following the memorial day exercises the veterans have a dinner and at this dinner Corporal Truman is asked to tell the story of his empty sleeve. The story is told in pictures and is one of the liveliest war incidents ever portrayed on a moving picture screen. It affords such a sharp contrast to the scenes which have gone before that when the picture again reverts to the banquet table and we see the veterans rising to cheer Corporal Truman and to join in his toast for the stars and stripes, we all feel like joining in the outburst of applause.
- DirectorAllan DwanStarsHarold LockwoodMacklyn ArbuckleWillis P. SweatnamJim Hackler is the political boss of a small town. When local lawyer Elias Rigby decides to run for Distrct Attorney, Hackler sees a chance to get revenge on Rigby--years ago both men were in the Army and best friends, but Rigby had intercepted letters to Hackler from his sweetheart, and wound up marrying the girl himself. Hackler persuades Rigby's daughter's fiance' to run against him, but things don't quite work out the way he wanted.
- DirectorGeorge B. SeitzStarsJack HoltBetty CompsonPat HarmonDuring the American Civil War, A Union-Army officer is ordered by U. S. President Abraham Lincoln to bring in Belle Starr, the leader of a Missouri guerrilla band, dead or alive. However, he falls in love with her, does not bring her in, and is facing a court-martial.
- DirectorReginald BarkerThomas H. InceStarsFrank KeenanCharles RayGertrude ClaireConfederate soldier Frank Winslow is terrified of the war and eventually runs away from battle. But when he finds himself behind enemy lines with vital information, he must decide between his fear and his conscience.
- StarsGuy HedlundGertrude NormanA younger and petted son is summoned by his brother to join the army, at the time of the great need in the Civil War. His old father, a veteran of the Mexican War, presents him with a sword and wishes him god-speed. In the first engagement the boy proves to be a coward and runs. Finally he reaches home, and there surrounded by a doting father, loving mother and admiring sister, he tells how he led the charge. In the meantime he is found missing at roll call after the battle and his brother, seeking him among the dead and wounded, learns from a dying soldier of his brother's cowardice. The horror-stricken officer seeks his cowardly brother and finds him at home, and in a most dramatic scene, tells the father of his son's loss of honor. However, under the threat of the father that he will kill himself unless his son retrieves his tarnished name, be seeks again the field of battle and in a magnificent charge, loses his life, but lives long enough to receive the handshake of his fellow officers.
- DirectorFrancis FordStarsFrancis FordRay MyersWilliam CliffordWilliam Carter and Harry Collier are great friends and both love bright little Irene. She likes Will, but not enough to accept him; she becomes engaged to Harry. War breaks out between the North and South. Harry enlists joyfully, but Will only joins the Confederate army under compulsion. Colonel Dickinson does not believe in secession and joins the Union army. He is put in charge of a regiment to fight the Southerners. Irene weeps when the boys march away. Very early in the war Harry shows his mettle in saving an ammunition wagon on a burning bridge in the face of a Unionist fire. He is promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Will feels the pangs of jealousy, but overcomes them and congratulates his friend. General Robert E. Lee sends a dispatch ordering a detachment to be sent under a picked man to defend the Georgia and Southern Railroad from the destroying Unionists, and Harry is assigned to the dangerous mission. In his company is Will. The Unionists, under Dickinson, blow up part of the road, but are routed by the charge of the Confederates under the intrepid Harry. During the sharp fight Will sees two men fall, one on either side of him. He is wounded in the arm and in a panic of terror he rides away. He goes to the home of Irene. She, not knowing who the marauder is, nearly shoots him for cowardice. He determines to retrieve himself as she bathes and binds his painful wound. Colonel Dickinson arrives with his troops. Irene pushes Will into her bedroom. She permits the orderlies to search the house, but appeals to Colonel Dickinson when they go to her bedroom door. The colonel allows the room to go unsearched. Colonel Dickinson, in a room adjoining the one in which Will is concealed, writes a dispatch telling General Grant where to send reinforcements, to Stony Fork Bridge. Will hears the import of the message and determines to secure the dispatch. He writes a false dispatch, stating that the "Union reinforcements for Dickinson will arrive at Stony Fork Bridge tomorrow." This he puts into his breast pocket. Will gets out through the window and runs to the barn, where the horses are quartered, whilst Irene delays Colonel Dickinson by giving him some light refreshment. The scout entrusted with the dispatch goes to the barn to get his horse. Will strikes him down with a whiffletree. Another guard hears the noise, runs to the barn door and is shot by Will, who has just time to hide the real dispatch in the bandages on his arm, when he is overpowered and taken before Colonel Dickinson. He is searched, and the false dispatch found in his breast pocket. Dickinson believes it to be his original dispatch, sends it off by another scout. He orders Will to be confined, but permits Irene to bathe and re-bandage his wounded arm. In this way Irene is able to obtain the original dispatch. She runs to the barn, and seeing the dead scout, makes an old darkey strip the body of his clothes, and donning them herself, she mounts and gets to the Confederate lines, where she is recognized by Harry. Will, confined in the smokehouse at Irene's home, sees her go and feels more satisfied with himself, but determines to escape in order to thoroughly retrieve himself in the eyes of Irene, his cowardice, and for his own salvation. The battle of Stony Fork Bridge starts and progresses. Breastworks are stormed and the battle sways back and forth. Dickinson orders his artillery to shell the town. A shell bursts through the smokehouse and Will escapes through the opening made thereby. The advance contingent of the Confederates is thrown back, and Harry, with reserves, comes to the rescue with one of his old-time charges. Will arrives breathless, unseen, and mad with the lust of battle. As he reaches the breastworks, the Confederate flag-bearer is shot. Will seizes the flag, and as he leaps over he is shot and falls, mortally wounded, by the side of Colonel Dickinson, who is dying. The two opponents in the war shake hands and succor each other in the throes of death. Will sinks back "and for all the evil in his life he did, his death atoned." Harry adds to his spurs, and he and Irene find their old comrade with his beloved flag wrapped around him and a smile of contentment on his lips.
- DirectorUlysses DavisStarsWilliam H. CraneArthur Paget, son of the General of that name, was the coward. That is, nothing could induce him to take up arms in behalf of his country. He occupied his leisure moments in playing on a flute, and loved it next best to Lucy Larcom, and he certainly loved her dearly. Lieut. Blaney also loved Lucy, and his second love was for gold. Aye, he loved gold better than he did the girl. But Lucy didn't know this and she admired his bravery as much as she despised the other's cowardice. Day by day Blaney won renown, and equally did Arthur Paget shrink more and more in craven fear of battle, until his own father and mother turned from him in utter disgust. But lie found comfort in his flute when he could look for it nowhere else, not even to his Lucy. The brave Lieut. Blaney, captured by the enemy in battle, was tempted to betray his general's plans. As a result of this act, victory perched on the banners of the enemy. Arthur's father, the General, was in imminent peril. His troops were cut up and in full retreat. It was agonizing to Lucy and Arthur's mother, who viewed it from the window. Suddenly a noble inspiration evolved Arthur's soul. Dashing forth, he met the retreating soldiers. Inspired them with his wonderful playing and led them back to fight, turning defeat to glorious victory. He was brought back from the field, wounded, but triumphant. His parents honored him, Lucy adored him. His rival, Blaney, was dead and stained with ignominious dishonor.
- DirectorJay HuntStarsEdward CoxenLeona HuttonFrank NewburgA thrilling story of the East and West, with scores of sensational incidents; the great strike, the riot, the destruction of the factory, the unjust arrest of a man who is imprisoned and years later is reunited with his family through a stirring chain of circumstances.
- DirectorColin CampbellStarsGeorge FawcettMatt SnyderBessie EytonStephen Brice, a young lawyer in Civil War-era St. Louis, falls in love with Virginia Carvel, the daughter of his benefactor. But she is loyal to the South and Brice is committed to Lincoln's cause. In the course of the war, their convictions separate them, and Virginia becomes engaged to her cousin Clarence Colfax, a Confederate officer. Brice becomes an officer under General Sherman, and eventually finds himself faced with the captured Colfax, facing execution for spying. Brice must decide whether or not to intercede in his rival's behalf.
- StarsKenneth CaseyRobert TaberJulia Swayne GordonColonel Mason, a Confederate, is wounded and taken prisoner by the Union army, and is placed in their hospital for treatment. He escapes and manages to get into his home, which is surrounded by Union soldiers. His son Bobbie dons the clothes of the son of the colored servant, Mammy, which are rather ragged, and applies for a position as drummer boy in the Union ranks. He is accepted and given a suit of Union clothes too large for him. He manages to get into the house to his father, who quickly puts on his son's regimentals, then leaves the house as a Union soldier. Back with his regiment again, he relates his experience to his comrades, who immediately appoint Bobbie as one of their drummer boys. After the war, Bobbie and his father return home, where they are greeted warmly by all.
- DirectorGeorge IrvingJack PrattStarsLew DockstaderHal ReidGail KaneLoyal slave of the aristocratic Dabney family, Dan is overjoyed when Raoul becomes engaged to Northerner Elsie Hammond and his sister Grace becomes engaged to Elsie's brother John. When the Civil War breaks out, the heartbroken Hammonds return North and John joins the Union army. Raoul joins the Confederacy, but his vindictive overseer, Jonas Watts, becomes a Union officer. Watts takes Grace prisoner, but before he can act on his desires, John rescues her. He then encounters Raoul and is obliged to arrest him, but Dan comes to his aid by throwing red peppers into his captors' eyes. When John is arrested by Confederates, Raoul frees him for Grace's sake, but when his superiors discover his treason, he is sentenced to death. Stonewall Jackson, a family friend, tries to obtain a stay of execution for Raoul, but in the meantime, Dan visits him and convinces his master to blacken his face and take the slave's place. He does, and Dan is executed. After the war, Raoul and Elsie, and John and Grace marry and settle on the Dabney estate.
- DirectorKenean BuelStarsAnna Q. NilssonGuy CoombsJ. Barstow BudworthAgnes Lane is a daring spy and a great favorite with the soldiers of the C.S.A. Riding into the Federal camp, she tells the commanding officer that she can aid in capturing the troublesome spy, Agnes Lane. The Federal officers are inclined to accept her proposal but through an accident the identity of Agnes becomes known and she is placed under guard. The Confederate army, learning of the peril of the fair prisoner, decide to take the fort and liberate her. Agnes succeeds in escaping and at the risk of her life induces the despairing Confederate soldiers to attack again. Through a series of thrilling adventures, she delivers to the Confederate general. Beauregard, a supply of powder, enabling him to make a final and successful attack.
- StarsSherman BainbridgeWith a help of a southern girl, a Confederate messenger diverts his pursuers by dressing an unconscious Union officer in his uniform and mounting him in a carriage. He escapes in another direction while they are chasing the carriage.
- Nell Collings loved Newton Barry, who was a Northern boy. When war broke out Barry bade his sweetheart good-bye and went away to don the Union blue. Nell's brother fought for the South. The fortunes of war had brought a battle right to the doors of Nell, and two of the participants in that battle were Newton Barry and Tom Collings, the brother. Newton, wounded and separated from his comrades, took refuge in the home of his sweetheart. The Confederates tracked him there, led by Tom. Nell hid Newton in a secret closet, but was discovered by Tom. Seizing a musket from one of the troops, she held it at her brother's breast and there kept it until Newton was far away on his journey. When the war ended Tom was first to join in the glad welcome extended to Newton on his return to wed his sister.
- StarsGene GauntierThe opening scenes take place just as the war was being declared. Miss Betsy, the heroine, has two lovers, one of Southern tendencies, the other loyal to the North. The Northern young man has been previously favored by the girl, but when he has announced his choice he is cast aside and leaves to join the Northern army with the idea that his sweetheart is lost to him forever. As the war is about to close, however, the action brings his regiment into the neighborhood of the girl's home, and while on special duty he is pursued by Confederates and is forced to take refuge in the girl's house. The girl, wavering between love and duty, yields to the former, and the fugitive is hid in an old linen chest and his pursuers turned off the track. He is captured later on, however, and is condemned and is about to die as a spy when the news comes that the war is ended. Convinced by the girl's interference in his behalf that she still loves him, he returns to her home and claims her hand. He is not wrong surmise. She loves him as much as before and he is again accepted, although not before he and his former rival, the Confederate captain, have shaken hands and have pledged to forget the past and renew the friendship of the Blue and the Gray.
- DirectorSidney OlcottStarsGene GauntierJ.J. ClarkArthur DonaldsonNan, the Confederate spy, is involved in action and romance with a Northern spy.
- DirectorHardee KirklandStarsHarry LonsdaleJack NelsonWilliam StowellGeneral Lee gives Lieut. Archer a dispatch to be carried to General Jackson. The young soldier meets a Union scooting party, and wounded, he finds sanctuary at the Allen mansion. The house is subsequently searched by the Union party, but Virginia Allen, by conducting the officer through a secret door in the wainscoting of the dining room, saves him. She then takes him away and hides him in a cave. She takes General Lee's dispatch from the lining of Archer's coat and tucks it in her hair, and then rides away with the Union soldiers toward the Confederate lines. She takes this document to Gen. Jackson without difficulty and he is deeply grateful. Eventually she returns to her own home and finds Lieutenant Archer recovered. They plight their troth and he goes back to the field of war.
- StarsOctavia HandworthPaul PanzerA story of the Civil War, with both the North and the South sharing the honors. A girl of the Southland loves a Confederate and she is loved in turn by a Union officer. The story is too original to spoil by the telling, but this may be known. The girl scorns the love of the Northerner and the Southern boy gets into trouble and is finally saved by the Federal officer.
- DirectorOscar EagleStarsHarold VosburghAlma RussellCal Buchanan, of the frigate Virginia, and Betty Vance have plight their troth and plan soon to wed. Cal's only brother is captain of the Virginia. Before Cal and his sweetheart can be married the war breaks out between the north and the south. Cal has commission to secure plans of the Yankee fortification. Cal arrives at his destination in a load of hay, and is discovered and made prisoner. Later he makes his escape and boards the Congress. Betty Vance's brother gets seriously wounded. Because the crew of the Merrimac is not large, Betty steals her brother's clothing, disguises herself as a boy, and joins the Merrimac crew. During the engagement between the Monitor and the Merrimac, Cal Buchanan again meets his sweetheart, a supposed sailor boy. After the battle, the old saying that "only the brave deserve the fair" is proven true, for Carl and Betty again plan for their wedding.
- Frank Calvert and Marion Harlon are lovers. Calvert's decision to stand by the Union results in him losing his sweetheart. Three years later Marion saves the life of Lieut. Peyton, a wounded Confederate officer and falls in love with him. Later, Peyton Chased by Union troops, takes refuge in the Harlan home. He is hidden in the cellar. A brutal sergeant threatens to shoot the girl unless she betrays the hiding place of her lover. Old Mrs. Harlan springs in front of her daughter and the sergeant is about to fire on both women when Calvert, now a Union captain, enters and saves the women. Peyton escapes. After the war the two lovers, each having lost an arm, meet, and Calvert learns that his old sweetheart has accepted the Confederate lieutenant. The two soldiers clasp hands and Calvert withdraws.
- DirectorJ. Arthur NelsonThe Civil War was at its height. Donald and James Lorne were step-brothers. Donald, the elder, loved Dolly, the rich ward of his step-mother, but Mrs. Lorne was very anxious that her own son, James, should win the hand of the wealthy orphan. To bring this about, she arranged to send her step-son away. But the lovers frustrated her. Dolly and Donald were secretly married before he departed. The girl's guardian intercepted Donald's letters, and not aware that her ward was already married, made her a prisoner in her room in her efforts to force the girl to marry James. Donald, sorely worried at his wife's strange silence, returned unexpectedly. In answer to his demands to see Dolly he was told that she loved him no longer, and had pledged herself to his step-brother. Wishing for nothing but Dolly's happiness. Donald, with heavy heart, took James' place in the army, hoping to be killed and thus free Dolly so that she might wed the man of her choice. Dolly, still held a prisoner in her room, heard that her husband had returned, but was now gone to the war. She escaped and followed him to the training camp, only to find him gone. She was overcome with grief and fell unconscious. The minister who had married her was at the camp, and had her removed to a neighboring house. Mrs. Lorne and her son followed the girl, and found her dead, and a new-born infant in the doctor's arms. James, in order to get into his own, hands the dead mother's fortune claimed the child as his own and disappeared. Donald, at the front, was fighting in the armies of his country, in ignorance of the tragic fate of the woman he loved, and of the birth of his child. One night, while pacing the sentry line, he beheld a vision of Dolly. The specter lured him far from his post. He was found wandering about, and was arrested for desertion in the face of the enemy. At the court martial he was still so dazed that instead of making a satisfactory explanation he incriminated himself by his incoherent replies. He was sentenced to be shot at sunrise. However, a comrade who knew the circumstances saved his life. He returned to his native village. Here he met a Captain Walling who told him the true story of Dolly. Walling was later arrested for treason. He turned State's evidence, confessing that in partnership with James Lorne he had robbed the government on false contracts of fabulous amounts, and accused Lorne of double-crossing him. The U.S. Secret Service at once took up the trail of his accomplice. Twenty years rolled by. James had gone west, where he was leading a double life. With him lived Dolly's baby, now grown to young womanhood, and bearing her mother's name. She supposed that James was her father. In the hills near James' ranch, a mysterious shepherd lived a life of solitude. Old before his time, sad, gentle and kind, he exerted a strange influence over the impressionable girl, who often sought his company, and confided in him her troubles and innocent secrets. The false-hearted James recognized the shepherd as Don and planned by accusing him of stealing all the cattle that had been missed, to have him strung up by the outraged ranchmen. An Indian girl who had been wronged by James and cast off overheard the plot. She told Dolly, who rode to warn her friend. She reached the shepherd's hut just as the cowpunchers were about to lynch him. She begged for time, swearing that she could prove the shepherd's innocence. The men, respecting her word, left her with the hermit. In tears she told him that her father had forbidden her to see him again. As she was leaving she accidentally dropped her locket. The shepherd found and opened it. He was dumbfounded. It contained the picture of his wife, the Dolly of the past. The girl, discovering her loss, returned. He asked who the picture represented. "It is my mother," replied Dolly. "She died when I was born." Without telling her that she was his daughter, he went to his step-brother to claim her. During the controversy that followed matters took an unexpected turn. Walling, now a secret service agent, appeared on the scene. After twenty years of searching he had found his man. As he was about to place the handcuffs on his prisoner, an interruption occurred. An Indian chief, leading a girl of his people, confronted James. The guilty wretch, in desperation, broke away from his captors and fled. But the day of reckoning had arrived. The red-skinned maiden sighted him fleeing across the edge of a cliff. Seizing a rifle she fired. Horse and rider fell to death. The gentle shepherd advanced to the girl's side. As he drew her to his bosom, he pointed to the faded face looking sadly at him from the locket. "The mystery of my love for you is explained," he said, "Dolly, you are my own flesh and blood. The woman of the locket was your mother and my wife."
- DirectorSidney OlcottOutside an old Colonial cottage, seated in the midst of a rose garden, is an old lady, knitting. The warm atmosphere sends her off to sleep, and in her dreams she goes back to the stirring times of '61, when she is chosen as sweetheart to one of the brightest of boys at a husking bee, making her the happiest of the maidens. Her happiness is soon blanched, for there comes a call to arms, when every citizen who has his country's interests at heart shoulders musket and goes to fight for "Old Glory." The parting of the lovers, the bidding good-bye of friends, the marching to war, the giving of a rose, are all stern duties that try the heart and nerve of a soldier. Then we see the fighting line in grim array, the ambush, the powder mine, the storming of the hill, the fight, capture of the gun, and final victory. Then follows the soldier's return, wounded, bearing the scars of a hundred fights, yet proud to wear the medal given by a grateful country. The affectionate greeting, and wedding. Then a step on the gravel wakens the old lady, and she rises to receive the kiss of her husband, who proves to be still the lover as of old, and the dream is over.
- DirectorFrancis FordStarsHerschel MayallHoward HickmanGertrude ClaireCaptain King is a Northern officer who is shot and left unconscious on the field of battle, which takes place near the home of Lieutenant Kane, a Southern officer, who is also badly wounded. King regains his senses, and as he sits up and endeavors to take a drink from his canteen he sees a ghoul at work on a group of dead and dying Confederates, Drawing his heavy pistol, he makes short work of the human vulture, and staggers to the spot, where he discovers Lieutenant Kane with a spark of life still remaining. He gives the Southerner a drink from his canteen and extricates him from the bodies lying on top of him, and then binds up his wounds. In the meantime Kane's mother and sister learn that he is among the missing and go to the battlefield in search of him. The two officers are brought to the Kane home, where King soon recovers, while Kane lingers between life and death. King's command comes back and he joins his regiment. The officers hold a conference in the Kane home, and Lieutenant Kane is moved to an old darky's cabin to prevent his capture. One of the Northern officers is Dick Stanton, of the Confederate secret service. Helen Stanton has nursed King, and he has fallen in love with her. Stanton forces his attentions upon Helen, who is saved from an embarrassing situation by King's interference. Stanton follows Helen to the cabin and enters, intending to cause the arrest of the wounded officer, but is amazed to find that Kane knows him and introduces him to Helen. Stanton tells them he is endeavoring to secure the Federal plans for General Lee, and Helen promises to aid him. During the conference he, supposedly accidentally, knocks down the candlestick, and when the light goes out he hands the papers to Helen, who has been watching her opportunity, and she rushes from the room. The sentries head her off and attempt to capture her, and she doubles on her tracks and re-enters the house, running up to the attic. Captain King follows and is thunderstruck to find out the identity of the fugitive. He takes the papers from her and, hearing the steps of other pursuers on the stairs, he takes quick action to save her. Hiding her, he kicks the window out and shoots himself in the arm and tells the other officers the spy has leaped out. His coat is torn open to bind his wound, and the missing papers drop to the floor. He can make no explanation, and an immediate court martial is ordered. Rather than betray Helen, King accepts his condemnation as a spy. Stanton manages to stay behind during the excitement in the attic, and finds Helen. She promises to elope with him if he will leave behind a written confession that he is the guilty party, to exonerate King. He writes the confession, but refuses to give it to her, and the overwrought girl attempts to take it by force. She is roughly handled by Stanton, and in the scuffle she pulls his revolver from its holster and fires. The shot arouses the officers on the floor below, and as they come rushing up Helen places the confession in the stiffening hand of Stanton, acknowledging that he is a Confederate spy, and secretes herself. King is restored to his position, and parts from Helen in an affecting scene.
- DirectorMarshall NeilanStarsJohn E. BrennanRuth RolandLloyd HamiltonJim and Dick, rivals for the hand of Dolly, learn that war has broken out. Jim announces that he intends to fight for the South. Just to be contrary, Dick enlists in the Northern Army. Six months later, the rivals meet on the field of battle. Jim finds that his battery has run out of cannonballs. Undismayed, he sends a squad of men to a nearby lemon grove with orders to return with a good supply of the fruit. These are placed into the cannon and fired. One of the lemons hits Dick in the eye. The Northern troops are about to charge when they hear the 5 o'clock whistle blow. Like all good union men, they promptly quit work for the day. Dick sees Jim all alone. Promising his men overtime wages he secures their aid and captures his rival. Jim is sentenced to die at sunrise. The following morning poor Jim is led out to be shot. When placed in front of the firing squad, he is so adept at dodging, that bullets fail to touch him. Dick thereupon orders two of his men to hold Jim while the rest shoot. But the only result is that the soldiers are slain. An idea strikes Dick and he tries to shoot his rival with a cannon. Jim, however, catches the projectiles and remains uninjured. Filled with rage, Dick has Jim tied to the muzzle of the gun. Just as he is about to shoot, the commander-in-chief arrives with the news that the war is over. With heavy heart, Dick releases his rival. The two hasten home and proceed to Dolly's house. The girl is delighted to see them. Beckoning to a man with an infant in his arms, Dolly introduces the rivals to her husband and son.
- DirectorStanner E.V. TaylorStarsGraham VelseyMarion LeonardJohn Potter is the son of one of the most distinguished and courageous families in old Virginia. The stirring news that Sumter had been fired upon volleys its pregnant purport into the homes of the South. John volunteers to serve. In the red rays of the setting sun, disguised as a Union soldier, John starts on his mission of securing the Union forces' plans. As he steals through the Union lines he comes upon a squad of Union soldiers, and in their midst a Confederate spy. A sharp order and from the barrels of twelve guns the prisoner's punishment is meted out to him. Like a blow it dawns upon John that, if detected, that would be his fate. His courage fails him and he turns toward the Confederate lines. He runs to his home, and bursts in upon his sister, who alone is awake. A few brief words and she knows all. The boy, desperate in his shame, runs into another room; there is a muffled shot, a thin wreath of smoke tells its grim tale. She determines to accomplish her brother's mission, and flies out into the night. She manages to get into the Union lines, secures the plans and when she reaches her home, where her dead brother lies, she places the plans in his pocket. The Confederates find him and he is buried with military honors.
- DirectorLorimer JohnstonStarsSydney AyresVivian RichHarry von MeterBack in '65 there was an old Southern fire eater, Pennington, and his daughter, Lucille, fell in love with Carr who was then a lieutenant in the small Yankee force that arrived in their city at the base of the mountains. When the confederacy fell, Pennington fled into the mountains with his daughter, rather than submit and there buried himself in the same place where Carr now lived with Rosemary. Several years passed and Lucille did not forget Carr, her Yankee lover. It was then that fate brought them together and old Pennington finally consented to the marriage, exacting a promise from Carr, not to take Lucille away from him and her mountain home. But with the birth of her daughter Rosemary, there came death to Lucille. The shock proved too much to the already weakened heart of the old man, and the double tragedy resulted in the weakening of Carr's mind. Thus the storekeeper tells of Rosemary and her father. Rosemary has a lover in Luke, a rough looking mountaineer, and he views the advent of Frank with suspicion. When Frank follows Rosemary and wins her love in a pretty nook of the stream, Luke is an unseen witness and hurries to persuade Carr that Frank seeks to take Rosemary away from him and the mountains. But Rosemary, frightened at the strange flurry in her heart, fled to her home in the woods and Frank, following, escapes Carr and the jealous Luke. At the house, Rosemary, seeking to make herself attractive for this new lover of hers, remembers an old trunk containing the clothes of the mother she has never seen. There are many of us who think the girls of our mother's time or our grandmother's time, were sweeter than the girls of today. At any rate, when Rosemary, brought up in the atmosphere of fifty years ago, and preserved in the mountains from contact of the outside world, unearths her mother's clothes, Frank finds in her indeed a girl of the sixties. She finally consents to elope with Frank, as the effect of the sight of her in her mother's clothes upon her father, badly frightens her and she and Frank succeed in eluding Luke and the now wildly crazed Carr. Rosemary, however, is not meant for the city life or modern life, and there comes a longing for the mountains. Luke has persuaded Carr to go to the city with him to wreak vengeance on Frank, but his plan miscarries, because the sight of Uncle Sam's uniform carries the mind of Carr back to his own days in the army and restores his memory, so he no longer concurs in the plans of Luke. When Frank realizes the longings of Rosemary and takes her back to the mountains, Luke quickly takes advantage of the opportunity to be avenged upon Frank, but Carr, now in his right mind, disposes of Luke for once and for all. Frank and Rosemary, in the old nook at the stream, find that the renewal of love is very sweet.