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The Weight of a Crown
(1914) United States of America
B&W : Three reels
Directed by Harry Myers
Cast: (unknown)
Lubin Manufacturing Company production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by Siegmund Lubin. From a story by Maie B. Havey. / Released October 1914. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Prince Rupert, the ruler of the kingdom of Darinia, is young and easily influenced by his ministers. One night at the Imperial Opera House he meets Olga, the dancer, and has her brought into his box that he may compliment her. A mutual attraction springs up between them. Olga’s father is the leader of a noted band of revolutionists and makes his daughter take the vow that at any time she may be called upon she will do its bidding. Furious over a new tax imposed in the Prince’s name, they plan to do away with him. Each member of the band takes his or her chance and to Olga falls the red dice of death. She promises to be faithful, but her heart is nearly broken at the thought of harm coming to Rupert. Carl, one of the band and Olga’s devoted admirer, thinking that she is weak, snatches the dice from her and says that he will kill the Prince in her place. She refuses to permit this. That night she dines with Rupert at his request. He tells her he loves her and she permits him to draw her into his arms. This is her chance. She raises the dagger behind his back and makes ready to plunge it into his throat, but her hand is powerless to strike the blow, and her grip releases on the knife and her hand falls gently upon his shoulder. She confesses the plot and he laughingly breaks the knife in half. She returns to the band and lies, telling them she had no opportunity to reach the Prince. In the morning she runs away to join Rupert. His ministers horrified at his suggestion that he marry Olga, the dancer, try to dissuade him. He is firm, however, and they are finally forced to permit her becoming his morganatic wife. They go away together and are ideally happy for a time in the country. Then, when war threatens, it becomes necessary for Darinia to form an alliance with the neighboring Kingdom of Marne, through the Prince, and he is recalled to the Palace. He learns that he is expected to marry the Princess of Marne. He protests, but when told emphatically that it is for his country’s sake, for his people’s welfare, he gives in. He meets Princess Marie and finds her a sweet, charming girl. But his heart is with Olga, and his proposal is a very formal one. He visits Olga to say good-bye. Olga is given a decree of divorce and is promised an income from the state, which she flings back at them. On the day of Rupert’s wedding, Olga’s child is born. She returns to her own people and her miserable aspect breaks her father’s heart and he dies of grief. Years pass, Olga’s son, reared in poverty and among the revolutionists, is a fine boy of five. Rupert’s heir is four. Revolution breeds in Darinia and its murmurings reach the palace. Rupert laughs at the idea of being afraid of his own people, and going out upon the balcony he presents his son to the mob. Threats change to cries of “Long Live the Prince.” Olga, in the mob, sees the child and the sight of it fans the flame of hatred into new life. A plot is afoot to do away with both the Prince and his son the next day when they appear in public. A spy carries this information back to the palace. Carl and his two comrades bid Olga good-bye and start off. Each is ready if any of the others fail. The spy and the soldiers enter the house after the men have left and, finding their prey gone, take Olga and her child into custody. A soldier is dressed in the Prince’s uniform to attract the fire of the revolutionists whom all know lie in wait. Olga is taken to the palace and brought to a room outside of which is the large balcony. She is told to point out her comrades in the crowd. She laughs and refuses. Her child then is garbed as the little Prince and she is told he must take the consequences. She tries to save him, but it is no use. He is sent on the balcony. She pleads for the Prince and he comes to her. Carl, recognizing Olga’s child on the balcony, does not shoot, but the other two men do. The boy is killed and the soldier in the Prince’s uniform wounded. Rupert realizes it is Olga before him and is horror-stricken. The dead boy is carried in. Olga, frantic with grief, takes him into her arms. Rupert draws closer to her, trying to offer her some consolation. “Look upon your first born son,” she says, and staring at the boy in her arms he knows the truth. Carl swings upon the balcony and makes an attempt upon the Prince’s life, but kills Olga instead. She dies in Rupert’s arms, and he places his robe about her.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 4 October 2023.
References: Tarbox-Lost p. 193 : Website-IMDb.
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