The Cardinal's Edict - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

Adrian De Mauprat, a gallant soldier of fortune, meets and falls desperately in love with the Cardinal's ward, Julie, who in turn shows that his attentions are not unwelcome. Owling to the numerous duels being fought in Paris, the Cardinal...See moreAdrian De Mauprat, a gallant soldier of fortune, meets and falls desperately in love with the Cardinal's ward, Julie, who in turn shows that his attentions are not unwelcome. Owling to the numerous duels being fought in Paris, the Cardinal is obliged to issue an edict forbidding dueling and making death the penalty if the edict is disregarded. De Mauprat enters a tavern and engages in a dice game with a stranger and soon learns that the stranger is a sharp and catches him cheating. He throws his wine into the cheat's face and in a moment both rapiers are drawn. In spite of the interference of friends they fight their duel and De Mauprat runs his men through. No sooner has this happened than the Cardinal appears with his guard and placed De Mauprat under arrest. The Cardinal is pondering whether to enforce the penalty of the edict when his ward, having seen De Maupret under arrest, demands an explanation. When told that his life is forfeited she betrays and finally confesses her love for De Mauprat. Richelieu, however, remains firm and sends her away without much encouragement. His secretary then announces the arrival of his spy, Marion De Lorne, who, upon being admitted through a secret panel, informs him of a conspiracy, headed by the King's own brother, which is to be culminated that night at her house and that she needs a brave man to secure a certain dispatch which they will send and which will contain absolute proof of their guilt. Richelieu is reminded of his prisoner and decides to give him a chance to redeem himself. He is called in and given his choice; death or obtaining the dispatch. He chooses the task of obtaining the dispatch, especially as he catches a glimpse of Julie, who has stolen into the room and who encourages him from her hiding place behind the curtains. He enters Marion's house as a servant and as the messenger with the dispatch is about to mount, he overpowers him, wrests the dispatch from his grasp, mounts his horse and rides away to the Cardinal's palace, but not, however, before being badly hurt by a bullet which the unfortunate messenger sent flying after him. Upon receiving the dispatch the Cardinal not only pardons his violation of the edict by gives him the hand of his ward, Julie, as a reward. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less