Barbara Frietchie's primary photo
  • Barbara Frietchie (1911)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Barbara Frietchie (1911)
Short | Short, Drama
One of the brightest examples of true patriotism was exhibited by a woman in a most remarkable manner during the Civil War. The heroine was Barbara Frietchie. It occurred in the town of Frederick, Md., where every household was divided in ...See moreOne of the brightest examples of true patriotism was exhibited by a woman in a most remarkable manner during the Civil War. The heroine was Barbara Frietchie. It occurred in the town of Frederick, Md., where every household was divided in its sympathies. George Mason, whose mother was a Frietchie, was an ardent Unionist, but his brother William was strong for secession. Virginia Iredale loved George, but her sentiments were opposed to his. This gave William a footing with her which he strove to improve by every means in his power. It was about the time of General Lee's prospective invasion of the North. In accordance with that idea. General Stonewall Jackson had turned the faces of his men northward. Everywhere in Maryland he was acclaimed with joy, though not so vociferously as further south. Jackson met with no hostile demonstrations, though thousands were so inclined. In the big town of Frederick, there was not one protest against the Confederate invasion, but stay! there was one, a dear old lady of eighty years, whose great big loyal heart led her to do an act of heroism that was sublime! Jackson, at the head of his hosts, entering Frederick that balmy September day, beholds the starry flag floating from a modest brick dwelling. Others have seen it, too. A score of muskets belch forth as one shot and the Stars and Stripes hang by a cord from the shattered flagpole. In a flash the window is raised, framing therein an aged but sweet face. A pair of feeble hands grasp the broken pole and once more the Stars and Stripes defiantly flutter. Then are uttered those well-remembered words: "Shoot if you must, this old gray head, but spare your country's flag." The butts of a hundred muskets leap to the shoulders of the Gray Coats, but the next instant the stentorian tones of brave General Jackson ring out: "Attention! Who touches a hair of yon gray head dies the death of a dog!" Then with a salute, he and his men marched on. Barbara Frietchie belonged to history. This glorious act decided Virginia Iredale as to her course in love and politics. Virginia thought she loved her Southland more than the Union, but when she saw the old flag waving in Aunt Barbara's hand, she knew at once where her real sympathies were, and as a result of this decision, her fair head found a resting place on the broad and manly bosom of George Mason. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
Read more: Plot summary
Writer
John Greenleaf Whittier (poem)
Producer
Mark M. Dintenfass
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Oct 2, 1911
Release date
Oct 2, 1911 (United States)

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