The Dividing Line (1912)
Fred Little and Charles Wright are both in love with Virginia Wraybum, whose heart is, at the beginning of the war, pledged to the Southern cause. When Lincoln and Lee send their calls for volunteers, Fred goes with the North and Charles with the South, in spite of the fact that these two men have been lifelong chums and companions. Charles learns before he leaves to join the Southern forces that Virginia is the fiancée of his old chum, Fred. This comes as a great surprise and he determines to forget her. Early in the struggle Charles is given an important mission to perform by his Commander-in-General, the carrying of dispatches to an important point. Northern scouts learn of Charles' mission and Fred, without knowing that he is pursuing his old friend, starts on his track. Charles now realizing that he is being pursued takes refuge in a deserted log cabin. Shortly afterward Fred and two soldiers also come to the cabin to take a much needed rest. Lighting a candle, he sees a foe is present. Charles thus awakened leaps to his feet, draws his revolver, then comes the recognition. For a moment they meet in an embrace, in which all the horrors of war are forgotten; then comes the terrible realization that they are enemies. Fred obeying his orders demands the dispatches; Charles refuses to give them up, blows out the candle and tries to escape. In the darkness Fred shoots, and the troopers hearing the shot rush to the aid of their officer. They reach the cabin just as Fred shoots his friend, takes the dispatches, and passes out into the night. Charles regains consciousness and though mortally wounded determines to try to recapture the dispatches. Mounting his horse he starts in pursuit. He follows Fred to the home of Virginia and there getting him by surprise secures the papers. The house is soon surrounded by Southern soldiers. This means capture and death for Fred. But Charles succeeds in persuading him to change uniforms with him and when the Southern officer enters the room, Charles is arrested. However, before he succumbs to the terrible wound, he hands the officer the dispatches. Fred and Virginia mount their horses and escape to Washington after waving a last farewell to the friend whom neither will ever forget.
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
See more details at IMDbPro
| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Herbert Brenon | Director |
| Herbert Brenon | Writer |
| Carl Laemmle | Producer |
| Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Herbert Brenon | |
| Vivian Prescott |
