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A Spanish Love Song
(1911) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by [?] Gaston Méliès and/or Robert Goodman?
Cast: Francis Ford [Don Jose], Edith Storey [Juanita], William Clifford [Jack]
G. Méliès production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Produced by Gaston Méliès. / Released 24 August 1911. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Western.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Jack and Helen were engaged, much against their will, for it was mighty disagreeable to them both. In fact, Jack’s displeasure was so ill-concealed that his father decided to send him across the border into Old Mexico to learn common sense. Nothing could suit him better, although, of course, he did not let his happiness be known. At a humble home in Mexico lived Juanita, a pretty guitar player and singer, who was forced by her parents to sing and beg on the streets for their support. Their treatment of her was cruel, and, adding insult to injury, they were using every means to get her to marry Don Jose, a wealthy Mexican, who loved her in his fierce fashion, but whom she thoroughly detested. On this occasion Don came to the house and pleaded for Juanita’s hand, but she, defying them all, ran from the house. Don Jose followed her until she came to a lonely spot, when he grasped her tightly and endeavored to force his love upon her. Juanita fought desperately, but her strength soon failed so that she must needs be his unwilling victim, but for the timely arrival of Jack, now a cowboy, who was quick to grasp the situation and free Juanita. Don Jose departed swearing everlasting vengeance on the stranger, while Juanita remained to thank her champion. It was love at first sight for Jack and Juanita, but their course, as usual, did not run smooth. Don Jose was not so easily outdone, and soon plotted against Jack. In a saloon he planned with his underlings, to unload Jack’s gun and then waylay him on the road. Juanita, coming into the saloon to play, overheard the plot, and when they had gone, took a loaded gun from the bar and followed them. When the party set upon Jack, Don Jose raised his arm to strike with a knife, when a shot rang from the bushes and struck his wrist. The ruffians fled and Don Jose followed. Juanita’s shot had saved her lover. There followed a pretty love scene. When his happiness seemed to have reached its zenith, Jack received word from his father to return and prepare for his marriage with Helen. He returned, and Juanita, heartbroken, wandered across the border into San Antonio, determined never to return home. On the eve of Jack’s wedding, word was received that Helen had eloped with the man she really loved. He was glad, yet sad, for he had left Juanita without explaining, lacking courage to tell her that he was at that time engaged. As he sat thinking, dejected, there came the strains from a guitar below. Could it be possible? He rushed to the front of the house, and there stood Juanita. She sang, and he responded to her “Spanish Love Song.”
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 23 May 2024.
References: Thompson-Star p. 230 : ClasIm-226 p. 55 : Website-IMDb.
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