# The Heart of a Hero (film)

* related portals: Biographical film, Drama film, Films with historical settings, Silent film.
* related authors: Nathan Hale (1755-1776).
* sister projects: Wikipedia article, Commons category, Wikidata item.
The Heart of a Hero is a 1916 silent historical drama film based upon the 1898 play Nathan Hale by Clyde Fitch, directed by Émile Chautard and starring Robert Warwick and Gail Kane. It is set during the American Revolution.
The video of the film on Wikimedia is incomplete, at least because Part Two could not be found anywhere online and is therefore not present in the video.
Cast and Crew :
| Cast ||
| Role | Actor |
| | Alec B. Francis |
| | Clifford Grey |
| Nathan Hale | Robert Warwick |
| Crew ||
| Production company | World Film Company |
| Distributor | World Film Company |
| Director | Emile Chautard (d. 1934), George Archainbaud (d. 1959) |
| Producer | William A. Brady (d. 1950) |
| Screenwriter | Frances Marion (d. 1973) |
| Cinematographer | Lucien Tainguy (d. 1971) |
| Based on available information, the latest crew member that is relevant to international copyright laws died in 1973, meaning that this film may be in the public domain in countries and jurisdictions with 50 years p.m.a. or less, as well as in the United States. ||
WILLIAM A. BRADY
in association with
WORLD PICTURES
presents
ROBERT WARWICK
and
GAIL KANE
in
THE HEART OF A HERO
WORLD PICTURES BRADY-MADE
Visualized from the play Nathan Hale by Clyde Fitch
Directed by EMILE CHAUTARD
Photographed by LUCIEN TAINGUY
SIX PARTS Copyright 1916
PASSED BY THE NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW Ganston Brenton CHAIRMAN OFFICIAL STAMP REG.U.S.PAT.OFF.
A Story of Nathan Hale, the immortal patriot of the American Revolution, one of the many brave men who have given their lives for the cause of Freedom, to all of whom this picture is respectfully dedicated.
NATHAN HALE,
a New London school master
--ROBERT WARWICK
ALICE ADAMS,
His favorite pupil
--GAIL KANE
The Union Grammar School, New London, Conn., 1775; attended by children and young people of various ages.
Waste not want not.
"Keep watch and I will draw you a picture."
"It says that two days ago, eight hundred British soldiers left Boston for Concord to capture our military stores there, but Paul Revere rode like mad to Lexington and warned the Yankees, who drove them back to Boston, causing heavy losses to the British."
"Let us give three cheers for Paul Revere, whose wild ride to Lexington saved the Yankees from defeat."
"--and now, I make you all 'Sons of Liberty'!"
SIR WILLIAM HOWE,
Commander of the British forces in America
--HERBERT EVANS
COL. GUY FITZROY,
The most feared and despised of all British officers.
--GEORGE M$^C$QUARRIE
"There is an uprising threatened among the Colonists. Go and herald a meeting in the New London school house--say that King George calls upon all loyal subjects for their support."
"Who drew those pictures?"
"Miss Adams, I am surprised! Deeply as it pains me, I must punish you by keeping you in during recess."
Col. Fitzroy arrives in New London.
TOM ADAMS,
Who complains of Hale's severity to his sister
--CLIFFORD GRAY
"I wish life were one long recess, and I could keep you in,--forever."
"Well--why--don't--you--sir?"
"You're always punishing her--but you shan't keep her in again--I won't have it!"
"Every time you punish my sister, you'll have to punish me!--if she stays in, I stay, too!"
"Tom, for your impertinence we shall have a little Latin out of you."
amo=I love
amo=I love amas=Thou lovest. amat=He or she loves.
amo=I love Alice amas=Thou lovest. Alice amat=He or she loves. me
Nathan Hale
"What! is it true, Alice?"
WILLIAM A. BRADY
in association with
WORLD PICTURES
presents
ROBERT WARWICK
and
GAIL KANE
in
THE HEART OF A HERO
Part Three
WORLD PICTURES BRADY-MADE
After twelve long, weary months of hardship, travel and uncertain victories, the American troops face starvation.
"A British sloop laden with provisions and ammunition is anchored in the East River."
Just before dawn.
Unobserved by the sentries, Hale and two comrades make a successful attack.
The stores captured by Hale, bring much needed relief.
Hale is summoned to headquarters.
"Because of the extraordinary service you have rendered your country, you have been commissioned a Captain in the 19th Regiment of foot commanded by Colonel Charles Webb."
"I am so proud of you, Nathan!"
Colonel Knowlton's home is chosen for an important conference.
"Gentlemen, I will read you a letter from General Washington to General Health--
⟨the part of the [...]⟩ war depends upon obtaining intelligence of the enemy's motions; I do most earnestly entreat you and General Clinton to exert yourselves to accomplish this most desirable end. It is vital.
I am with sincere esteem,
Dr. Sir, Yr
Most obed$^t$ H. Serv$^t$
G. Washington
"There is but one thing to be done. A competent man must be sent, in disguise, into the British lines, to gain the information on which all depends."
"Will any one of you men volunteer to undertake it?"
"I will undertake it!"
"Captain Hale, for the sake of my sis--"
"I hold that every kind of service necessary for the public good becomes honorable by being necessary! And my country's claims upon me are imperative!"
"You owe me a duty--your promise!"
"No! I refuse to free you. You have given two years of your life to your country. You must give me the rest. It is my share! It is my right!"
"Then--I hate you!"
WILLIAM A. BRADY
in association with
WORLD PICTURES
presents
ROBERT WARWICK
and
GAIL KANE
in
THE HEART OF A HERO
Part Four
WORLD PICTURES BRADY-MADE
THREE MONTHS LATER. The Widow Chichester's Inn A rendezvous for British soldiers.
The Widow Chichester and her children. THE WIDOW------CLARA WHIPPLE
On a dangerous mission.
"Here you are to our Royal Master! Long life to King George--"
"--and death to George Washington!"
"I am Daniel Beacon, a school teacher and a loyal subject to the King."
"It might be more interesting if you joined your comrades and listened to the news just received."
General Howe's new plans to end the war.
"If we can get to the north of New York Island without the Yankees being warned, we'll catch Washington and practically cage the whole American army!"
"Come on hussie, give us a kiss!"
"Kiss the liquor--it's your equal!"
"It's every man's business to protect a woman from a brute!"
"If you are a Loyalist, give us a taste of your sentiments!"
"Here's to King George. May right triumph, and wrong suffer defeat!"
"By God! It's Nathan Hale!"
"You're afraid to stay; you're afraid to drink with us, for fear we will find out who you really are!"
"Here's to the sweetest wench in New England, whose lips I have already kissed!"
"Who--who is she?"
"If she won't be my wife, I'll make her my mistress! Drink to my success with Alice Adams!"
"You did not drink, I watched your throat and not a drop went down!"
"Take a horse and ride like hell to Colonel Knowlton's home--deliver to Alice Adams, this letter supposed to be from General Howe, stating that Nathan Hale is here, dying and asking for her--
--if questioned, corroborate that and mind you do not speak, my name!"
"The man upstairs is a spy--if he attempts to escape, sound an alarm!"
END OF PART FOUR.
WILLIAM A. BRADY
in association with
WORLD PICTURES
presents
ROBERT WARWICK
and
GAIL KANE
in
THE HEART OF A HERO
Part Five
WORLD PICTURES BRADY-MADE
Throughout the night, Nathan Hale laboriously translated his notes to Latin, in order to avoid detection, in case of arrest.
"Take position down the road and pass no one but Cunningham and the girl who is with him!"
"And you, sound a warning the moment they pass, that I may know here, they're coming!"
S. E. Flatbush
Adveni Chichester taberna inveni Fitzroy et officiardi ibe. Habet circum 100 homines. Consilia recepte a Howe vidi. Consilium est ut milites Fitzroy ad N. ex New York, egrediantes in ra [...]
S. E. Flatbush
Arrived Chichester Inn, found Fitzroy and officer therein. Has about 100 men. Saw plans received from Howe. Scheme is to have Fitzroy's soldiers get to North of New York land on Hudson side march [...]
MIDNIGHT Cunningham arrives at his destination.
Miss Adams, Captain Hale, wounded and dying, wishes to see you before the end comes. The bearer will accompany you to Widow Chichester's Inn where he is confined.
General Howe
Morning.
"I am expecting a visitor for you, shortly."
"Alice Adams."
"You change color--Nathan Hale!"
"Who is Nathan Hale?"
"If Cunningham has carried out my instructions, he has gone to Alice with a note from General Howe informing her that Nathan Hale is here, wounded and dying, and wishes to see her."
"When she is brought face to face with you, alive, whom she fears to find dead, she's sure to make some sign of recognition, and that sign will cost you your life."
"Last night you thanked me for striking that dog, Cunningham. Will you do me a favor in return?"
"Leave the saddle, go down the road and wait until you see Cunningham and a girl riding this way. Make some motion to her-so--"
"Where is Captain Hale?-take me to him at once!"
"There he is!"
"They told me Captain Hale was here and dying! Who played this trick on me?"
"That's your lover, Nathan Hale. I only saw him for a few moments at the school house in New London, but haven't forgotten so soon"
"It was you, then, who tricked me! I shall report it to General Howe, who will be the first to punish you."
"You've been warned by someone. I'll find the traitor and he will be hanged ahead of you,--Nathan Hale, to let the Devil know you're coming!"
"Make some excuse to come inside shortly. We will watch them from there."
"A woman warned you?"
"When are you going to take me back?"
"Well Widdy, do I get my breakfast soon?"
END OF PART FIVE.
WILLIAM A. BRADY
in association with
WORLD PICTURES
presents
ROBERT WARWICK
and
GAIL KANE
in
THE HEART OF A HERO
Part Six
WORLD PICTURES BRADY-MADE
"Yes, I was his scholar. He taught me many things, but most of all--love!"
NATHAN:
"He was desperately in love with you!"
ALICE:
"He pretended so!"
NATHAN:
"You came this journey to see him--"
ALICE:
"Out of pity--a message told me he was dying."
NATHAN:
"Was it pity or was it love?"
ALICE:
"Out of pity, yes."
"No, it isn't true--you still love me?"
"Be careful, the very trees have ears!"
"Only let me know the truth--you love me?"
"Nathan Hale, in the name of the King, I arrest you for a spy!"
Where the trail divided.
"At last! I've won! Before tomorrow's sun sets, you will be hanged!"
Nathan Hale, condemned to be hanged in the morning at sunrise; writes a farewell to his mother.
My beloved Mother May this letter reach you to let you know that my last thoughts were of [...]
"That letter is a goodbye to my mother, whom for the sake of my country, I have robbed of her 'boy'. It is sacred to her eyes only!"
"Hell fires! Do you think I'll let these damned heroics be read by the Americans? Not if I can prevent it!"
Alice implores General Howe to grant her permission to see Nathan Hale.
"Permit Miss Adams to visit Nathan Hale for five minutes."
"No, don't try to speak. There are no words for us."
Dawn.
"Nathan Hale, have you anything to say?"
"I ONLY REGRET THAT I HAVE BUT ONE LIFE TO LOSE FOR MY COUNTRY."
ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY YEARS LATER From the ashes of the Revolution, has arisen, phoenix-like, the new Republic.
"His face, turned to the multitudes who pass him in their daily life invites them to pause awhile and see why one who regretted that he had 'but one life to lose for his country' should still live in the hearts of his countrymen."
The End
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
Copyright law abroad tends to consider the following people authors of a film:
* The principal director
* The screenwriter, and/or other writers of dialogue
* The composer/lyricist (if the film is accompanied by sound)
* The cinematographer
* By extension, the authors of any works that may serve as the basis for a film's plot
The longest-living of these authors died in 1973, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 50 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
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