Genoveffa

Genevieve and her loving husband, Count Siegfried, discuss impending war in the garden of their medieval castle. Golo, Siegfried's counselor, tells them that Captain Wolf has arrived with a message from the king calling him to defend France from invaders. Siegfried summons the castle's occupants to the main hall, where he announces that Golo will take command of the castle during his absence. As Siegfried and his soldiers disappear into the distance, Genevieve is overcome with grief and faints. Golo, eyeing her lustily, carries her to her room, and orders the servants to leave them alone. As he prepares to molest her, she wakes up suddenly, and demands that he leave. Meanwhile, Siegfried sends news of the war to his wife via messenger Drako. At the castle, Genevieve receives the letter, and asks Drako to tell her more about her husband. As they talk, Golo approaches and orders Drako to report to the guard for duty. When Genevieve protests, Golo declares his love for her, saying he is capable of doing anything to have her. In her room, Genevieve writes a letter to her husband telling him about Golo's behavior. Happening by, Golo sees the door guarded and becomes suspicious. He barges in, demanding that Drako give him the letter. When Drako refuses, Golo kills him, causing Genevieve to faint. Claiming that Genevieve and Drako have committed adultery, Golo has Genevieve imprisoned. Months later, Genevieve has endured the trials of prison life and given birth to a son. Golo continues to harass her, threatening her and her son with death. In a rage over the alleged adultery, Siegfried has sent an order from the front for both Genevieve and the baby to die. Although Golo offers Genevieve freedom if she will consent to his wishes, she says she prefers death. Berta, who has gained possession of the key to Genevieve's cell, tries to set her free. Genevieve, however, refuses to risk Berta's life, and instead, asks for a pencil and paper. She writes to her husband, explaining what has happened and begging him to treat Golo with mercy. The next morning, Kinz and Kunz, the executioners, take Genevieve and baby into the woods. Kinz begins to question the orders, and when Genevieve promises never to leave the forest, Kinz and Kunz decide to let them live. Genevieve runs into the forest, stopping to baptize the child in a stream. They make a home in a cave, and as the boy grows, Genevieve teaches him the story of Jesus. The war ends years later and Siegfried returns home unannounced. Siegfried interrupts one of Golo's sumptuous banquets, and a hush falls. Berta shows him Genevieve's letter, explaining that Golo is a scoundrel. Golo begs for death, but, respecting Genevieve's wishes, Siegfried imprisons him. Meanwhile, in the forest, Genevieve lies near death while her son attends to her. One day, while Siegfried is hunting in the woods, he happens upon the cave where Genevieve lies sleeping. He calls to his fellow hunters, who lead Genevieve and the boy back to the castle. The happy couple is united, and their son takes his rightful place as heir to the throne.