GRIFFITH'S
SHORT STORY SERIES
Under Personal Direction of
D. W. Griffith
Artcraft Pictures Corporation
"THE
GIRL WHO STAYED
AT HOME"
COPYRIGHT 1919 BY D. W. GRIFFITH
Scenario by
S. E. V. TAYLOR
Photography by
G. W. BITZER
Distributed
by
Artcraft Pictures Corporation
CAST OF CHARACTERS IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY APPEAR
|
Monsieur France |
Adolphe Lestina |
|
On a June day, gold with spring and blossoms, in an old chateau in the pleasant valley of the Marne, Monsieur France sits dreaming.
It is his boast that he is the only citizen of the Confederate States of America who has never surrendered.
At the end of the Civil War he escapes to his father's home in France rather than submit to the Yankees.
The flag of the Confederacy.
"I shall never surrender! I shall go to a foreign land."
For a small price he purchases the run-down home of his forefathers, and lives in this foreign land—the sole citizen of the Confederate States of America.
With the passing of a generation he is again alone, save for his one grandchild, a young blossom from the old stock.
Her New York chum at the Paris school visits Mademoiselle Atoline while touring Europe with her family.
Mr. Ralph Grey, the chum's elder brother.
"I am not an American, I am a citizen of the Confederate States."
That evening.
The Count de Brissac—her favored suitor.
In the spring moonlight Mademoiselle Atoline displays her amateur talents—the fad of the hour.
Mr. Grey and the Count de Brissac impressed.
Later that same evening.
Following the long-understood family plans, Mademoiselle consents to a betrothal.
A short time later the young American—
"I know a French roseAh, how well it would bloom in America!"
"You—you are that rose."
To one of her training, her betrothal is as sacred as marriage and love for another a temptation that must be conquered.
The tragedy of youth.
"Did I encourage you? I am very sorry."
The Departure.
In the spring of 1914 Mlle. Atoline returns the visit of her American friends.
The younger brother, just out of college—Familiarly known as Jim, "The Oily Peril".
NOTE—Which, translated, means "Heart-breaker".
Note the killing slouch.
The very next day.
The pride of the Turnverein—half drunk and half German.
"If they start a war and America gets in——"
"Americans fight, eh! Put up your fists and show me!"
"Just a couple more words and he'd have had me started."
The day of Mademoiselle Atoline's return home.
"Remember my promise—if you ever need me, I will come."
NOTE:—So in an olden day young Americans may have promised Lafayette.
Now comes the day that shall live as long as history—August 3rd, 1914—and her betrothed goes with the legions of France.
Memories that will not die.
So also, in Germany, one Johann August Kant, of the same family as that Immanuel Kant who once said Europe should be a chain of republics—for which he was censured by the King of Prussia.
Also the Turnverein gentleman called to service in Germany.
In due time America enters the war.
The elder Grey is against America's participation.
"This country in the war! Civilization set back a hundred years!"
The elder son angers the father by declaring his intention to enlist.
"Brother's right, father. I think perhaps I want to fight too."
"Oh, SIT DOWN!"
Now appears little Cutie Beautiful—so named by the management of the Broadway cafe, where she entertains.
Rehearsing the latest song—
"Papa, there's another picture in Mamma's frame."
"I want to fight but Dad won't let me."
"How about a little stepping tonight?"
Bright lights.
Afterwards.
"It's late—you'll have to go."
Oily is a grafter—has to be bribed to leave.
While brother Ralph steals away to duty.
After several stops on the way—
"I am going to war."
"We're a fighting family—my brother's gone to war."
Cutie Beautiful meets an old friend.
Mademoiselle Atoline brings the glad news of America's part.
Now comes the draft.
"Father, look what's happened."
Father, interested in ship building, declares son essential.
Playing with fire.
Cutie loves jewels, but—
A heavyweight job—juggling time cards.
"Oh, I'm essential all right—just ask them—they'll tell you."
Among the wounded, Mademoiselle Atoline's betrothed.
Dim words.
He is put in Class 1-A.
The Local Exemption Board.
The District Board.
"Your influence won't go here. Uncle Sam doesn't care who you are — that boy has got to fight!"
"I will carry this to Washington."
"Say, I WANT TO FIGHT—but Father won't let me."
"I wouldn't worry—YOU'LL FIGHT ALL RIGHT!"
It is carried to Provost Marshal Crowder—
—to General March—
—to Secretary of War Baker—
—and he meets the same consideration as his butler's son.
—ending in the training camp where he belongs.
Where this—
—and this—
—and this—
—produce this result next morning.
Service.
Oily after training.
The farewell dinner.
"That's chest—compliments of Uncle Sam!"
"Say, I was all wrong! If I get through alive and come back I'll be a different man."
"You're so sincere—you make me——"
"I flirted with two men."
"Look at me—thirty-one janes——"
"A man——"
"Believe me, I'll be so straight!"
"I will trust you."
"Just you, forever!"
One of the very best of the two million rings the American boys bought before leaving for France.
The final parting moment.
They had it that bad.
So wilts the flower of France
and make the world safe for [...] and don't flirt with any french Janes
Your
"Twice the country of my heart broken! Oh, God, is there no help? Who will save us?"
America's legions in France—
The trenches in France.
Reinforcements from a depot replacement division.
"Oh, bring him back to me—and—and please don't let any French jane get him!"
A different prayer.
"God, save us from our enemies—save us from ourselves."
"Look at me—see—who is it!"
"Stop that noise! Start a new battle for one punk prisoner!"
Oily slides into a night patrol.
The accidental meeting. His search rewarded.
Turnverein.
The brothers' company lost beyond their objective.
Surrounded, the little company refuses to surrender.
Oily braves death to slide back to the main line for help.
"This way out!"
The end of the tortuous three days' journey.
The supply of water and food gives out, but still they refuse to surrender.
The main line.
Mademoiselle and grandfather the last to leave the chateau before the German advance.
The Germans.
Back to the chateau.
The Germans occupy the chateau.
The little American Company still resists.
Food and drink for the lost company.
"Wasser, Wasser!"
"Water, Water!"
Mercy—the woman's part.
"Mutter, Mutter!"
"Mother, Mother!"
Victrola
When You Come Back
John McCormack
64791
The upper part of her sad—but the feet still rag-time.
Americans begin the great advance.
Angered by her taunt, he orders her with the other refugees into Germany.
"Fight men—not women."
"Mademoiselle—these to my mother."
The Americans.
The old Reb surrenders at last.
The great question.
Before the old shrine, sacred in their memories.
His love asks to wipe away her tears—a little part of the young love that will soothe the wounds of the world.
Two hours before he—
"Ahead of time! How dare you?"
Distinguished Service Medal Awarded Grey Brothers
"I told you so! WE come of FIGHTING STOCK!"
THE END
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published in 1919, before the cutoff of January 1, 1929.
The longest-living author of this work died in 1948, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 75 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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