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Werther
(1910) France
B&W : Short film
Directed by Henri Pouctal
Cast: André Brûlé [Werther], Laurence Duluc [Charlotte], Philippe Garnier [Albert], Julien Clément, Charles Desmoulins
Le Film d’Art production; distributed by Compagnie Genérale des Établissements Pathé Frères Phonographes & Cinématographes. / Scenario by Charles Decroix, from the novel Die Leiden des jungen Werthers (The Sorrows of Young Werther) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. / Released 8 April 1910. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA by [?] Motion Picture Distributing & Sales Company and/or The General Film Company, Incorporated? on 19 May 1910.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? The picture opens with Werther’s first meeting and introduction to Charlotte at her home, when he immediately becomes infatuated with her grace and charm. Some days later at a garden party, a spiteful friend of Charlotte’s tells Werther that Charlotte is already engaged to be married, and points out to him the engagement ring on her finger. Werther is disconsolate, but calls at her home the next day, where he meets her future husband, Albert. He sees there is no chance to his ever marrying Charlotte. The next scene shows us Werther sitting on a bench, and the wedding party passing by. They ask him to join in the festivities, but he refuses. Some days later he passes Charlotte’s home, just as Albert is leaving. She asks him in and he takes advantage of the fact to tell her of his great love for her. She is horrified, and flies to her room and locks herself in, while Werther almost knocks Albert down as he goes out. Albert’s suspicions are aroused, especially when he finds Charlotte locked in her room. She, however, soon reassures her husband of her undying love for him. Meantime Werther returns home and writes an expressive note to Albert for the loan of his pistols, stating that he is about to take “a long voyage.” Charlotte understands, and hesitatingly hands the weapons to the waiting servant with them to Werther, who dismisses him, and with his last thoughts of Charlotte goes out on the long journey from which no traveler returns. This picture, though a tragedy, is most beautifully and perfectly acted and will surely be appreciated by the higher class of audience.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: (unknown) [France]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 29 August 2023.
References: Bardèche-History p. 44 : Website-IMDb.
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