When California Was Young (1912)
In days of old, when California was young, it was rife with Spanish chivalry and romance. No story more beautiful and pathetic has ever been known or conceived than the love of Rosita Peroso and Jose Martina. Rosita and Jose are of the peasantry, poor and happy. The youth loves the girl most dearly. She is beautiful and does not escape the notice of the knights of the Spanish nobility, who would fain make love to her. One, Don Sylvia, of the Spanish Guards, passing through California, charmed by Rosita's beauty, makes love to her, hastily proposes and seals their betrothal with one of his jeweled decorations. Jose, who has heard of Don Sylvia, and marks his attention to Rosita. Jealousy warns her against him and angrily takes the jewel from her and throws it away. The girl tells her parents of her promise to marry Don and they are pleased, giving no heed to Jose, when he tells them that the Don is a profligate and libertine. They are so elated with the match they drive Jose from their presence and tell him he must not see their daughter again. She is to marry a grand gentleman. In despair and broken-hearted, Jose makes his way to the neighboring monastery and takes the vow and becomes a member of the order of ascetics. Rosita marries Don Sylvia and from that time he shows himself in his true colors. Through an insult to the Spanish governor he loses his position as commander of the Guard, throw himself recklessly into dissipation, abuses his wit, and, while in a beastly state of intoxication and a fit of rage drops dead from heart failure. Rosita flees to the monastery and falls exhausted in the presence of the godly monk, who administer to her as she passes away. Jose, now Brother Joseph, is a silent witness of the sad ending of the woman, whom he would have given his life to protect and care for. Jose, instructed by the abbé, sorrowfully and prayerfully tolls the monastery bell, sounding the death knell of a departed soul entering the realms of eternal peace.
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Domestic
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Worldwide
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Rollin S. Sturgeon | Director |
| Robert Thornby | Writer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Earle Williams | |
| Mary Charleson | |
| Robert Thornby |
