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» » John Burns of Gettysburg (1913)

Short summary

John Burns, having lost his son in the early part of the Civil War, becomes inflamed with a desire to avenge the boy's death, but his wife restrains him. The mother finds the great loss unbearable and follows the son. John Burns' neighbors become panic-stricken when the terrific cannonading at Gettysburg is heard, but the old man stoically refuses to be driven from his borne. Finally the retreating troops fire Burns' patriotism and he resolves to wreak his vengeance. Dressing in his best suit and high hat, he becomes the butt of the soldiers' jests, but his calm determination and seeming immunity inspire the regulars. He declines to take the shelter of the trenches, but stands before the enemy, quietly ramming his musket and firing shot after shot at the Confederates. Unconcernedly he leads a charge that turns the tide in favor of the Federal forces.

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    • Author: Wrathshaper
    The story of John Burns is widely known from many accounts of it that have been printed and for this picture, Bret Harte's poem furnishes the scenario. Quotations from it serve as subtitles. The picture is not a great success, it was taken is some sandy place not at all like the country about Gettysburg and its battle scenes have nothing that even afar off suggest the great battle. The story, such as it is, is clearly told and the picture has some good scenes. The photography is not perfect, but fair in much of the picture. Kenean Buel's Burns is a striking, interesting figure and he deserves commendation for it. Guy Coombs plays the old man's son who enlists and is brought home dead with a sharpshooter's bullet through his heart. Mrs. Courtot plays Burns' wife and Anna Nilson, his daughter-in-law. - The Moving Picture World, June 14, 1913
  • Cast overview:
    Kenean Buel Kenean Buel - John Burns
    Guy Coombs Guy Coombs - Tom Burns - John's Son
    Charlotte Courtot Charlotte Courtot - Mary Burns - John's Wife (as Mrs. Courtot)
    Anna Q. Nilsson Anna Q. Nilsson - Bess Burns - Tom's Wife
    Henry Hallam Henry Hallam
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