Movie spotlight
For Valour
Melia Nobbs, a young Canadian woman, supports both her invalid father Ambrose and brother Henry. When Henry faces arrest for helping himself to his employer's cash, Melia steals the amount from the star of the theater where she has been dancing and offers it to her brother if he will enlist in the army. Henry agrees and goes off to war, making Ambrose proud of his son, but when Ambrose learns that his daughter has been arrested for theft, he disowns her. Melia does not reveal the reason for taking the money and is sent to prison. Meanwhile, Henry fights bravely in France and returns home minus an arm but wearing the Victoria Cross. He finds his sister, weak and worn from overwork, in the prison hospital. Seeing her brother with his medals, Melia realizes that her sacrifices for him and her country have not been in vain, and that in her own way, she has served her country.
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Plot Summary
During World War I, a young woman named Elsie is engaged to a soldier who is believed to have died in action. Overcome with grief, she accepts a proposal from a wealthy suitor. However, Elsie's former fiancé returns alive, and she must choose between the man she truly loves and the one who offers security.
Critical Reception
As a silent film from 1917, contemporary critical reception is difficult to pinpoint with modern metrics. However, films of this era often focused on melodrama and patriotic themes, which 'For Valour' appears to embody. Audience reception would have been shaped by the prevailing sentiment towards the war and the popular stars of the time.
What Reviewers Say
Melodramatic plot exploring themes of love and sacrifice during wartime.
Features popular actress Alice Brady in a leading role.
Reflects the patriotic fervor of the World War I era.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this silent film is not available due to its age.
Fun Fact
Alice Brady, the film's star, was a prominent stage and screen actress who would later win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'In Old Chicago' (1937).
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