The Geisha Who Saved Japan (1909)
The picture opens at a time when the activities of the royalists began to harass the Shogun. Seated in the garden of the royal palace is Nitchi, a young Japanese boy, awaiting the return of the Shogun; as he approaches Nitchi crawls forward and presents a petition for the release of his father, who has offended the Shogun by failing to bow before him. The Shogun, enraged, orders his spies to seize Nitchi and burn his eyes out with red-hot irons. Matsuda, a leader of the young royalists, witnesses the act of cruelty, and burning with indignation, draws his sword and vows he will consecrate his life to the cause of revolution. He brings Nitchi before the little band of royalists, who determine to assassinate the Shogun and thus rid Japan of a tyrant. They are about to draw lots, but Matsuda declares that he alone will do the act. On a royal feast day the assassination is attempted but fails, and Matsuda is enabled to escape by the aid of Nitchi's sister, Mimosa San, the Geisha dancer, a favorite of the Shogun. Matsuda falls in love with Mimosa and visits her at her home, where he is followed by spies of the Shogun, who demand that she deliver Matsuda up. She declares he is not there, but they search the house. She outwits them and flees with Matsuda; they are followed and overtaken. A terrific combat occurs between Matsuda and the spies. He is almost overcome, when Mimosa rushes in and receives a glancing blow on her forehead, disfiguring her for life. Matsuda lifts her up in his arms, but she begs of him to escape, as his life belongs to Japan. He places her in the care of an old woodchopper and flees. Ten years later, Matsuda, now a Governor, is holding a reception. Through an accident he recognizes Nitchi and inquires of him about his sister. Nitchi informs him of her whereabouts, and Matsuda sends a messenger for her. When Mimosa arrives he shrinks back in pitying horror at the scar which disfigures her face, but remembering how she received it, he folds her in Ills arms and tells the assembled guests that this is his promised bride whom he had lost, and for whom he had been searching for years. While the guests applaud, Mimosa San hides her face in Matsuda's shoulder, for all her troubles have reached a happy end.
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GenresDrama
Short
IMDbPro
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| Filmmakers | Role |
|---|---|
| Sidney Olcott | Director |
