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  • Virginius (1909)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Virginius (1909)
Short | Short, Drama
The Roman citizens are cheering for their Decemvir, Appius Claudius, and his friend, Caius Claudius, leader of the soldiers, when Dentatus, an old Roman general, scoffs at their inexperienced leader. The citizens rush upon Dentatus, to ...See moreThe Roman citizens are cheering for their Decemvir, Appius Claudius, and his friend, Caius Claudius, leader of the soldiers, when Dentatus, an old Roman general, scoffs at their inexperienced leader. The citizens rush upon Dentatus, to kill him, but he is saved by Ieilius, a young Roman. Virginius' House. Virginius enters with his only daughter, Virginia, and discovers by a picture that she has painted that she is in love with Ieilius. Virginius consents to their union and betrothes them in presence of his brother, Munitorius, and the old nurse of Virginia, Servia, and Virginius' old friend, Dentatus. Virginius is called to the wars. Caius Claudius is defeated in battle and comes back in despair and tells Appius the news. Appius Claudius persuades old Dentatus to lead the soldiers in battle, hoping secretly that he will be killed. Appius sees Virginia and falls in love with her. He persuades Caius Claudius to claim her as his slave. Caius seizes Virginia in the streets of Rome and drags her before the Decemvir, Appius. Appius decides the trial in Caius' favor, but the mob overrules Appius and he is forced to postpone the trial for one day. Munitorius and Ieilius send the boy in haste for Virginius to return to Rome. On the battlefield Dentatus is treacherously killed by the soldiers, who tell Virginius that Dentatus was killed in battle. Virginius mourns over his old friend, Dentatus, when Lucius rushes in and tells him he is needed in Rome, that Appius Claudius has claimed Virginia as a slave. He comes back in haste, embraces his daughter and boldly and fearlessly goes with her to face Appius Claudius. A slave of Caius swears Virginia is her daughter. Everything failing, Virginius, to save her from Appius Claudius, kills her to save her honor, then, defying Appius, he rushes out. The mob seizes Appius Claudius and drags him to prison. Virginius goes mad and wanders away. Just as Appius Claudius is about to swallow poison in the dungeon and Caius Claudius comes in and promises him freedom, the mad Virginius wanders in. He imagines he sees his daughter struggling with Appius and calling to him for help, and seizes Appius by the throat and chokes him. Munitorius and Ieilius come in with the ashes of Virginia. They show Virginius the urn, his reason returns and he falls on his brother's shoulder. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Writers
Van Dyke Brooke (scenario) | James Sheridan Knowles (play)
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jan 30, 1909
Release date
Jan 30, 1909 (United States)

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