The Ordeal
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
William S. Davis
Barbara Castleton
Beulah Poynter
William H. Tooker
George De Carlton
Harry Spingler
Film Details
Synopsis
During the Franco-Prussian War, Jean Renyea wins the love of Helene, thus incurring the enmity of Pierre, her hunchbacked suitor. When Jean refuses to enlist in the army, Pierre tells Jean's father, a veteran, of his decision. Jean's mind is changed, however, after the heartbroken father tells his son about heroism in battle. That night, Jean dreams about combat. In his dream, during a retreat, Jean hides his commanding officer. Then, returning secretly to his now occupied village, Jean is betrayed by Pierre. Refusing to divulge secrets to the enemy, Jean witnesses the death of his mother, sister and Helene. After Jean is thrown in the dungeon, Pierre is ostracized by the villagers. Eventually, Jean's village is liberated and he collapses as he wanders among the bodies of the dead and dying. Jean then awakens to discover that all had been a dream. [In a prolog added in 1918, an American youth shames his family by refusing to enlist. His patriot spirit is awakened, however, by this account of bravery. The dream ending is removed, then, in an epilog, the youth, repelled by the atrocities of the Prussians, resolves to enlist.]
Director
William S. Davis
Cast
Barbara Castleton
Beulah Poynter
William H. Tooker
George De Carlton
Harry Spingler
Anna Laughlin
Margot Williams
Mrs. Balfour
Film Details
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
According to contemporary reviews, the German-American Chamber of Commerce and representatives of the German government in Washington protested vigorously against this film, charging that its anti-Prussian sentiment would prejudice the American public against them during the early stages of World War I. The film was re-issued by Monopol Pictures with added materials and an alteration of the dream sequence in 1918 under the title The Mothers of Liberty. Dallas M. Fitzgerald directed and wrote the added scenes for re-issue.
