The Oath and the Man

A story based upon the presumed rights of feudal lords to any woman among the peasants they might fancy. After the noble commands a peasant's wife to go to his castle a revolt breaks out among the peasants and the couple are obliged to accept protection at the hands of the outraged husband. But vengeance other than his is meted out to them. They are forced to remain in hiding while the mob devastates everything within reach. Sometimes individuals want to mete out their own vengeance, but God's vengeance is quite as sure, though slower in coming, and usually it is worse when it does come. Ethical reasons exist for this, and the inexorable law, promulgated centuries ago, is the same to-day as it was then. This law cannot be evaded; it cannot be abrogated, but who so transgresses will surely be punished. - The Moving Picture World, October 8, 1910

Oath and the Man, The (1910)

*** (out of 4)

Griffith short has Henry B. Walthall playing a perfume shop owner who one days gets a visit from a French Nobleman. The Nobleman smells a lovely young woman's scent and invites her to a party but this woman just happens to be the owner's wife. The wife goes with the Nobleman but the husband doesn't do anything until the French Revolution comes around and he sees his shot at revenge. This is a pretty good short that once again shows a top-notch director doing great work. Griffith does a great job a building up suspense and this leads to a very fun ending. There were a lot of extras used for the small battle scenes and if you look close enough you can spot Jack Pickford. Walthall turns in another very good performance as well.

In three short years as a director, D. W. Griffith had graduated from a novice to a professional ready to stretch his already impressive talents. Compare this tale of marital infidelity set against the backdrop of the French revolution to films made by most other filmmakers of the time and it is easy to see how far ahead of the field Griffith already was. This eleven minute short could easily have been made into a two-reeler, or even a feature. As it is, it's brisk running time means that the film's climax feels a little rushed - the revolution is ignited and completed within a matter of 60 seconds or so.

Stopping by Henry B. Walthall's "Parfumerie", Nobleman Francis J. Grandon finds himself attracted by the scent of a woman - it's Perfumer Walthall's young wife Florence Barker. Later, Mr. Grandon is unable to forget his attraction.. He thinks Ms. Barker is "formidable"; and, he invites her to an upcoming fete. Baker politely declines, claiming she has nothing to wear. Not one to take "non" for an answer, Grandon insists upon taking Barker out shopping. Baker is a woman who can't resist a new outfit; so, she goes off with her infatuated pursuer. Soon, she is dressed like a Queen, acting royal; and, she forgets poor husband Walthall. He tries to win her back, but is rebuked.

After his wife becomes the mistress of Noble Grandon, Walthall contemplates suicide; however, he is saved by a convenient priest. So, when the French Revolution begins, Walthall becomes one of its leaders, revolting against the aristocratic tyranny represented by those like the Nobleman who stole his wife. Soon, Walthall and his revolutionaries reach Barker and Grandon - what terrible revenge might Walthall seek?

In this "Story of the French Revolution", from director D.W. Griffith, New Jersey is dressed up as France, for an exciting outdoorsy finish. Walthall, in bushy eyebrows, excels; note how he smells a garment near the end, to confirm his wife's presence. As a story, "The Oath and the Man" fails to suspend a great amount of disbelief.

**** The Oath and the Man (9/22/10) D.W. Griffith ~ Henry B. Walthall, Florence Barker, Francis J. Grandon