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Fenton of the 42nd
(1909) United States of America
B&W : Split-reel / [?] 850 or 860? feet
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Edison Manufacturing Company production; distributed by Edison Manufacturing Company. / © 14 December 1909 by Edison Manufacturing Company [J136005, J136006, J136007, J136008]. Released 14 December 1909; in a split-reel with The New Policeman (1909). / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Western.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Capt. Fenton, of the “42nd,” and his men are detailed to patrol the Mexican border on the lookout for smugglers. The ranch on which they have camped is owned by as ugly-looking a Mexican as ever smoked a cigarette and drank mescal, and presided over by his sister, who is as pretty as he is repulsive. At the request of the sister, Capt. Fenton makes his headquarters at the ranch house and gains the hatred of the Mexican lover by promptly falling in love with her. While on a night ride through the country Fenton is shot by the jealous suitor, is nursed back to health by the beautiful sister, and while convalescing declares his love, which she reciprocates. Shortly after two smugglers are seen sneaking through the lines. One is shot in attempting to escape, and the other captured after a long chase. The captured smuggler is brought to Fenton as he is enjoying a tete-a-tete with his lady love, and proves to be her brother. Fenton’s struggle between love and duty is graphically shown when the girl, on bended knee, pleads for her brother’s freedom. Duty to his country conquering, his sweetheart denounces him and sends him away. That night she rescues her brother from the soldiers under Fenton. They take refuge in the hut of a friend, and when surrounded fight until their friend is killed and the brother mortally wounded. The defense of the hut is one of the most thrillingly dramatic scenes ever witnessed, the girl aiding the besieged men by loading their guns and revolvers and supporting them when, weak from loss of blood, they are on the point of collapse. The acting at this point is so terribly real that the spectator will forget that he is gazing at a theatrical production instead of an actual struggle for life, and his sympathy for the girl who is battling for her brother’s life will know no bounds. The picture ends as all good pictures, plays and books should end, happily, with the reunited lovers in each other’s arms.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 13 December 2024.
References: Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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