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Northern Hearts
(1913) United States of America
B&W : One reel
Directed by Edward LeSaint
Cast: Harold Lockwood [Sergeant Jim McGrath], Stella Razetto (Stella Razeto) [Ellen], Guy Oliver [Brock], Al W. Filson [McGrath], Al Green (Alfred E. Green) [Black], Lea Errol [Brock’s mother]
The Selig Polyscope Company, Incorporated, production; distributed by The General Film Company, Incorporated. / Scenario by E.N. Wells. / Released 5 December 1913. / Standard 35mm spherical 1.33:1 format.
Drama: Northwoods.
Synopsis: [?] [From The Moving Picture World]? Old inspector McGrath of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police, is proud indeed when his son, Jim, gets his sergeant’s stripes, and bids him to live up to the duties they impose, but the mother of Jim’s trail-pal, Brock, whom the motherless boy regards as his own, bids Jim remember, “Duty to God first and to the King second.” Jim and Brock are rivals for the band of Ellen. She really prefers Jim, but piqued at his lack of perception, encourages Brock. One day she is attacked by a villain, Black. Brock happens along, and during the encounter that ensues, knocks the assailant over the cliff and he is killed. The girl persuades Brock, against his better judgment, to flee, and Jim is detailed to capture him. His inclinations revolt against such pursuit, and Ellen threatens him with her hatred if he does so, but the brand of duty has burned so deeply that nothing can swerve him from orders. He trails and arrests Brock, and, bringing him to quarters, he meets Ellen, who pleads with him for Brock’s liberty, even offering herself as sacrifice. She paints such a pitiful picture of Brock’s old mother, whom Jim loves as his own, that he recalls her words, and then and there ensues a struggle between the dual duties. Finally he tears the stripes from his uniform as a sign that he is unable to live up to them under the circumstances and frees Brock. He then discovers that Ellen is truly his own, and the story eventually ends well for all concerned.
Reviews: [The Moving Picture World, 20 December 1913, page ?] The reviewer was puzzled at times during the running of this picture by reason of the similarity of the two men of the Northwest Mounted. They were almost the same in physique and. of course, they were in uniform. Given a broad-brimmed hat, shading the face from the sun, and the difficulties of identification are increased. Those who “get” the story will be interested.
Survival status: (unknown)
Current rights holder: Public domain [USA].
Listing updated: 1 June 2024.
References: Website-IMDb.
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