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The Vaquero’s Vow
(1908) United States of America
B&W : One reel / 805 feet
Directed by D.W. Griffith
Cast: Charles Inslee [Renaldo], Harry Solter [Gonzales], Mack Sennett [a man at the wedding party; and a man in the bar], Florence Lawrence [a woman at the wedding party; and a woman in the bar], Arthur Johnson [a man at the wedding party; and a man in the bar], George Gebhardt [a man at the wedding party; and the bartender], Gladys Egan [a little girl], Linda Arvidson, Frank Evans, Wilfred Lucas, Jeanie Macpherson
American Mutoscope & Biograph Company production; distributed by American Mutoscope & Biograph Company. / Scenario by [?] D.W. Griffith? Cinematography by G.W. Bitzer. / © 3 October 1908 by American Mutoscope & Biograph Company [H116506]. Released 16 October 1908. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Manuella, a beautiful Mexican girl, is the object of the pure, honest affections of Renaldo, a poor Vaquero, and while she is touched by his tender attentions, she shows a decided preference for dashing young musician Gonzales, the beau ideal of the local senoritas, hence Manuella feels immeasurably flattered by his advances. Little does she realize that his attentions are induced by selfishness, for he knows that her father is well provided with earthly possessions, which he hopes to share. Rejecting Renaldo, she marries Gonzales. At the ceremony Renaldo, though an unbidden guest, approaches and, acquainted with the true nature of the musician, warns him to be faithful to his bride or beware. Gonzales treats this with extreme sangfroid, and when the guests have departed insists upon opening the marriage-box, expecting a goodly sum of money, but his rage is unconfined when he finds it yields but a sheet of paper, on which is written: “Her husband’s love is the bride’s best dowry.” Throwing his wife from him, he departs for the wine shop, where he plunges into a whirl of dissipation with his ribald associates. To this place the poor wife comes to beg him to return home, but she is thrown out. Lack of funds sends him home to demand his wife’s rings and bracelet, on which to raise money for drink. This she refuses, but is beaten and choked into insensibility and the valuables taken. Back he goes to his despicable companions. Renaldo learns of this, goes to the tavern to remind Gonzales of his warning, and a terrific battle ensues. With rapiers they start, but as the fight progresses these are discarded for more deadly weapons. About the room they struggle, wrecking the place, until at last Gonzales is bested by Renaldo who, at Manuella’s intercession, spares his life, and leads her from the place.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Keywords: Mexicans
Listing updated: 17 December 2024.
References: Barry-Griffith p. 41; Spehr-American p. 4; Usai-Griffith-3 p. 7 : Website-AFI; Website-IMDb.
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