Fights of Nations
Fights of Nations
Filmed Jan. 17, 19, and 23-24, 1906, in the Biograph New York City studio. Scene 1 of 6 In "Mexico and Spain," a man dressed as a Mexican peasant spies on a happy young woman and her suitor, who wears a fancy Spanish, matador-style outfit. The woman dances for her companion, then the couple embrace and sit on a stone bench, holding hands. The jealous peasant rises from his hiding place to stab his rival, but the woman grabs his arm and stops him. The two men engage in a fierce knife fight, with the woman at one point helping her suitor regain his lost weapon. The Spaniard finally disarms his opponent, but consents to the woman's begging and spares the peasant's life. From Biograph bulletin no. 94: Our latest production, under six titles, represents various types and nationalities, with tragedy and comedy intermingled. Every scene is beautifully staged, and each nationality well represented. "Mexico vs. Spain," the first scene, shows the rejected Mexican suitor, in a jealous rage, watching the love-making between Carlos, the Spaniard, his hated rival, and the beautiful senorita. With drawn stiletto, he pounces upon the Don, but the senorita seizes his arm, thus saving her lover from a horrible death. After a terrific hand-to-hand encounter, the Don has the point of vantage over the Mexican, but through the pleadings of the girl releases him and bids him go.