To the Death (1917 film)

To the Death
Newspaper advertisement
Directed byBurton L. King
Written byOlga Petrova
Lillian Case Russell
StarringOlga Petrova
CinematographyHarry B. Harris
Production
company
Distributed byMetro Pictures
Release date
  • August 27, 1917 (1917-08-27)
Running time
Five reels
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)

To the Death is a 1917 American silent drama film directed by Burton L. King and released by Metro Pictures. The film is considered to be lost.[1]

Plot

As described in a film magazine,[2] Bianca (Petrova) models in clay and makes laces for a living. She accepts an opportunity to go to Paris and receive an art education, promising to send for her sister Rosa (Brent) and mother. A secret service agent betrays Rosa, and Bianca hurries home. Upon the death of Rosa she swears vengeance. She promises to marry Lavinne (Standing), the secret service agent, if he will disclose Rosa's betrayer, and is horrified when Lavinne shows her the picture of Etienne (Hamilton), the man she loves. Etienne comes to her room and she plunges a dagger into his breast. Lavinne forces her to accompany him to a hotel room where he scornfully tells her that he won her by trickery, and of having used Etienne's assumed name to lure Rosa away from home. Lavinne's valet (Korlin) informs the police that Lavinne is a traitor to his country and he is arrested. Bianca returns to her studio where she finds Etienne recovering from his wound, and they face a future of happiness.

Cast

Reception

Like many American films of the time, To the Death was subject to cuts by city and state film censorship boards. The Chicago Board of Censors cut two scenes of the woman with a dagger taking an oath of vengeance at an altar.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ Kear, Lynn (2009). Evelyn Brent: The Life and Films of Hollywood's Lady Crook. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-7864-4363-5.
  2. ^ "Reviews: To the Death". Exhibitors Herald. 5 (11). New York: Exhibitors Herald Company: 29. September 8, 1917.
  3. ^ "Official Cut-Outs by the Chicago Board of Censors". Exhibitors Herald. 5 (11): 33. September 8, 1917.