The Scales of Justice (1909)
In the public square of the little German town of Lalsk there stands a huge statue of Justice, her eyes blindfolded and the balances in her upraised hand. Years ago criminals expiated their crimes at the feet of the statue, for here the headman's block was placed and the well-worn stones of the square were often stained with blood, for in those days even trivial thefts were punishable by decapitation. In those bloody times the statue was the favorite resort of little Heinrich, whose feeble mind comprehended only the most elemental things of life. With an almost superstitious awe of the idiotic, the villagers bore with the half-witted child, though now and then his pranks grew almost unbearable. As the scene opens, the child annoys the Burgomaster, who orders him to be thrown into jail, but Gretchen, the little servant in his household, pleads for the lad and the good priest adds his solicitation. The Burgomaster gives in to public opinion and departs in no good humor. Heinrich follows Gretchen to the Burgomaster's house, but he is soon ordered from the kitchen by the Burgomaster's wife, who has company. The visitor greatly admires the other's handsome rings, particularly a valuable signet. The visit is short and the rings are removed while the housewife prepares to make some pastry. Both she and Gretchen are called from the kitchen and Heinrich, who has been peeping through the window, clambers in and appropriates the showiest of the rings, the signet. Gretchen is taxed with the theft, and in spite of her protestations of innocence is thrown into prison and condemned to death. The good priest visits her to hear her last confession and urges her to admit her crime. She takes a most solemn vow that she is innocent and the priest is convinced of her truthfulness. The jailer comes to lead her forth to death, and pale and trembling, but sustained by her faith, she slowly walks across the square to kneel at the feet of Justice. A hush falls upon the people as the priest raises his hand toward heaven and prays that a miracle may be shown to prove her innocence. There is a crash that terrifies the crowd. They start back, then rush eagerly forward. The scales have fallen from the hand of Justice and with them the signet, which has been hidden in one of the scale pans by the agile Heinrich. Utterly unable to comprehend the seriousness of the situation or of his own action, he claims his toy and the last doubt is swept away. The Burgomaster bows low before the girl and the wife embraces her, while the populace loudly acclaim their joy over the miracle of the Scales of Justice.
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Van Dyke Brooke | Director |
