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Le campane della morte (Episodio della rivoluzione siciliana)
Also known as [The Bells of Death]
(1913) Italy
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: Orlando Ricci, Aurelio Zoncada, Ines Lazzarini (Ines Lazzari), Cesare Zocchi, Carlo Campogalliani, Oreste Grandi
Società Anonima Ambrosio production; distributed by [?] Società Anonima Ambrosio? / Produced by Arturo Ambrosio. Scenario by Arturo Ambrosio. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film was released in the USA by Ambrosio American Company on 26 November 1913.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Long suffering under the cruel domination of the Bourbons, a small congregation of Sicilian inhabitants arise in arms against their oppressors. Not having any artillery with which to defend themselves, Bosolino Pilo, their leader, applies to Friar Lawrence of a neighboring village for aid. Alfio, a young shepherd, is entrusted with the secret message, and bidding farewell to his sweetheart, Carmela, the bell-ringer’s daughter, he sets out on his dangerous mission. The Friar, a man of both word and deed, arises to the occasion. Hiding a weapon in the wool of each sheep, Alfio leads them safely through the enemy’s lines, and smuggles the necessary arms into his village. The people in acknowledgment of the weapons again send Alfio to the Friar, but unfortunately the stratagem practiced on the Bourbons has been discovered, and Alfio is wounded on the way. By a great effort he escapes the pursuing soldiers, but in his great hurry drops the message, which is found by the enemy. Almost exhausted from the loss of blood, Alfio finally reaches his village and with his remaining strength he pulls at the great bell rope. The villagers, aroused in time, are successful in routing the Bourbons, and when they enter the bell-house they find Alfio stretched dead on the ground. Bravely he died for his country. Bosolino Pilo, as leader of the insurgents, receives the following day a warning from the great Bourbon General Bosco that unless immediate surrender is made all would be ruined by fire and sword, but his message is treated with contempt. Now that all hands are required to fight against the enemy, how were they to secure sufficient weapons? There was but one way. The great old bells which have rung for their victory for so many years would be sacrificed for the aid of the country. Sadly they are removed and melted into cannons, and Gesualdo, the first bell-ringer proclaims himself the first cannonier. But where was the enemy stationed? Carmela, whose lover had died a patriot’s death, decides to locate their encampment, and with her country’s flag in hand she bravely sets forth. Coming near a river, she sees the reflection of the enemy’s troops. She hides behind a bush and when their caravan passes cautiously creeps into it and is taken directly to their quarters. Stealthily she avoids their watch and reaching the roof wildly waves her flag as a signal to her countrymen. The small Bourbon reserve, completely taken by surprise, is overcome. Carmela, who has been discovered at her post, struggles with her assailants, but firmly continues to wave her flag until she too dies a martyr to her country.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: (unknown) [Italy]; Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 14 September 2023.
References: Tarbox-Lost p. 209 : Website-IMDb.
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