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Moderne brigand: Cycle contre moteur
(Modern Brigand: Cycle Versus Engine)
Also known as Modern Highwayman in the USA
(1909) French
B&W : Short film
Directed by (unknown)
Cast: (unknown)
Compagnie Genérale des Établissements Pathé Frères Phonographes & Cinématographes production; distributed by Compagnie Genérale des Établissements Pathé Frères Phonographes & Cinématographes. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format. / The film released in the USA as Modern Highwayman by Pathé Frères on 7 January 1910; in a split-reel with An English Boxing Bout (1910).
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? If one is looking for action, plenty of it and of the thrilling kind, this film will prove more than satisfactory. From the moment the modern highwayman comes on the scene he keeps everybody on the jump and his acting is so wonderfully realistic that the spectator finds himself gasping with excitement at his daring feats and readiness when danger threatens. In the opening scene this up-to-date burglar is waiting at a turn in the road for an automobile speeding towards him. When it is a few feet away he jumps out and raising his pistol brings it to a stop and causes the terrified occupants to deliver up to him all their valuables. With wonderful thoughtfulness he makes the chauffeur empty his can of gasoline so as they will have no power to go for help. He then jumps on his motorcycle and in a twinkling has disappeared from sight. As soon as they, see the last of him they rush down the road calling for help and finally a policeman comes along, who telephones the news of the daring robbery to police headquarters. The police patrol with seven or eight officers is immediately sent out to run down the highwayman. In the meantime the latter has stopped to get something to drink, and is looking over his loot when one of the officers comes up to him. He throws the latter and leaves him lying unconscious, and speeds away on his motorcycle. The patrolmen arrive on the scene and one of the most exciting chases ever produced by the cinematograph takes place. At one place on the road the burglar jumps off his motorcycle and takes to the woods, but the officers are right after him, and jumping out of their machine, rush through the underbrush close on his heels. A thought comes to the pursued, however, and turning suddenly around he rushes out to the road and jumps into the waiting automobile, and with his pistol at the chauffeur’s, head, tells him to drive like mad. His cleverness in eluding his would-be captors up to this time is, however, of no avail, as they finally overtake him and are doubly severe with him on account of the trouble they have had in capturing him.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: (unknown) [France]: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 23 January 2025.
References: MovPicWorld-19100108 p. 20 : Website-IMDb.
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