Whom the Gods Destroy


1916

Film Details

Release Date
Dec 18, 1916
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Vitagraph Co. of America; A Blue Ribbon Feature
Distribution Company
Greater Vitagraph (V-L-S-E, Inc.)
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Sound
Silent
Color
Black and White
Film Length
5 reels

Synopsis

As World War I begins, Irish rebels plan to use the British preoccupation with Germany to their advantage. Sir Denis Esmond, an Irish leader, intends to fight the English, while his close friend Leslie St. George Leigh loses his eyesight fighting for England in the North Sea. Denis and Leslie both love Mary O'Neil, an Irish girl, who refuses to decide between them until the Irish question is settled. Mary allows Leslie to convalesce at her family's castle; then, when Irish rebels come looking for Denis, Leslie tries to convince him of the high cost of rebellion. He succeeds, but as Denis is about to address the rebels with an English flag, Mary substitutes an Irish one, and the British eventually battle the Irish and arrest Denis as a traitor. Despite Mary's pleas and those of Denis' mother, he is sentenced to hang. Through the eventual intervention of his friend General Ramsay, however, Denis is pardoned. Leslie, thinking that his blindness will prevent a successful marriage to Mary, withdraws, but she finally makes him realize that even his blindness cannot alter her love, and they become engaged.

Film Details

Release Date
Dec 18, 1916
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Vitagraph Co. of America; A Blue Ribbon Feature
Distribution Company
Greater Vitagraph (V-L-S-E, Inc.)
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Sound
Silent
Color
Black and White
Film Length
5 reels

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

Several contemporary news items reported that Whom the Gods Destroy incited protests by some Irish groups who contended that it was pro-British. Other news items mentioned that the film was banned in Britain as pro-Irish. This film marked popular actress Alice Joyce's return to the screen after a long absence. The film was said to be a loose parallel of the true story of Sir Roger Casement who was hanged by the British government. Mr. Siegel is probably Bernard Siegel, a frequent Vitagraph player.