Vintage original 11 x 14 in. US lobby card from the lost teens WWI-themed war drama, FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD, released in 1917 by Goldwyn Distributing Co. and directed by Romaine Fielding, who also appears in this film.
For the Freedom of the World is a lost silent film, as no prints are known to exist. Printed on a semi-glossy stock for the film's original 1917 US theatrical release, the image depicts a dramatic scene featuring the film's female lead, Barbara Castleton (as Betty Milburn) as she tries to protect a very young girl as she's about to be taken away my the authorities for breaking military rules. As indicated in the lower right corner, this is lobby card #12. It is unrestored in near-fine condition as shown. Vintage original material of any kind from this film is extremely scarce.
Romaine Fielding was born on 22 May 1868 in Riceville, Mitchell County, Iowa. He was an actor and director, known for A Dash for Liberty (1913), Hiawanda's Cross (1913) and The Eagle's Nest (1915). He was previously married to Joan Arliss and Mabel van Valkenburg. He died on December 15, 1927 in Hollywood, California.
Plot: Gordon Harvey (E.K. Lincoln), a wealthy American, enlists in the American Legion of the Canadian Army to fight with the Allies even before his own country has entered World War I. He woos and weds Betty Milburn, and then, because the young bride cannot bear to be parted from her new husband, she disguises herself as a Red Cross nurse and accompanies him to France. Ralph Perry (Romaine Fielding), a spurned suitor, reveals her presence to the authorities, knowing that the young couple will be sentenced to death for breaking military rules. Rather than send Betty to the firing squad, Gordon shoots her and then embarks on a suicidal combat mission. He is saved by Perry, however, and awarded a Victoria Cross for heroism. Betty, only wounded by the shot, recovers and is reunited with her husband.