Release Date: August 15, 1914 (American Silent Historical Drama)
The Oubliette (1914) Colorized: Lon Chaney and François Villon's First Adventure
François Villon: Poet, Scoundrel, and Hero
'"The Oubliette"', released in 1914 by 'Bison Motion Pictures', marks the first installment in 'The Adventures of François Villon' series. This 'silent historical drama' brings the famed 15th-century French poet and rogue to life, starring 'Murdock MacQuarrie' as the titular character. The film, directed by 'Charles Giblyn', is notable for featuring an early screen appearance by the cinematic legend, 'Lon Chaney'.
Plot Summary: From Compassion to Confrontation
The epic adventure begins with Villon and his companion, Colin, journeying to Paris. Displaying his conflicted nature, Villon empties his own meager purses to help an evicted elderly couple, yet shortly thereafter, hunger compels him and Colin to rob two monks, leading to their swift imprisonment. After overpowering the turnkey and escaping, tragedy strikes as Colin is caught and executed.
At the gallows, Villon kills the arrogant 'Chevalier de Soissons' in a confrontation, a violent act that inadvertently gives him the opportunity to appropriate the knight’s wealth and identity. Now disguised, Villon rescues a captive named Philippa de Annonnay and is drawn into a sword fight with her guardian, de Pogne. With Philippa's crucial intervention, Villon escapes to escort her to her castle, before finally continuing his journey.
A Test of Loyalty by King Louis XI
The film culminates with 'King Louis XI', known as the 'Prowler,' testing Villon's character. The King, after orchestrating Villon's arrest, offers him freedom in exchange for aiding a plot against the monarchy. Villon indignantly refuses to betray the crown, passing the ultimate test of his true, if hidden, loyalty. Louis XI then reveals his identity, rewards the poet with a bound copy of his manuscript—remarkably, 'the first book printed in France'—and bestows upon him the title of 'Chevalier des Loges'.
Restoration Details: Colorizing Early Silent Film History
This '45-minute' feature is a vital piece of the 'public domain film' archive (Source: archive.org/details/BillSpragueCollection...). The original black-and-white print has been meticulously preserved and enhanced using advanced 'AI Colorization' techniques by 'Professor Jameel Akhtar'. Viewing this 'Restored Colorized Film' provides a unique window into the ambitious, grand-scale historical dramas of the pre-World War I silent film era.
Watch the Full Colorized Historical Drama (1914)
Don't miss this complete, digitally restored, and 'AI-Colorized' classic, featuring the thrilling exploits of François Villon and an appearance by a young 'Lon Chaney'.