The Breath of the Gods

The Breath of the Gods is a 1920 American silent romantic drama film directed by Rollin S. Sturgeon and starring Tsuru Aoki. Set during the Russo-Japanese War, the film is based on the 1905 novel of the same name by Sidney McCall.[1][2]

The Breath of the Gods
Theatrical release poster for The Breath of the Gods
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRollin S. Sturgeon
Written byCharles J. Wilson (scenario)
Based onThe Breath of the Gods
by Sidney McCall
Produced byCorley Z. Ito
StarringTsuru Aoki
Stanhope Wheatcroft
Arthur Carewe
Pat O'Malley
CinematographyAlfred Gosden
Production
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Distributed byUniversal Jewel Super-Production
Release date
  • July 25, 1920 (1920-07-25)
Running time
60 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageSilent (English intertitles)
Crew members constructing a Buddha for the set of the movie.

Plot

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As described in a film magazine,[3] the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-1905 threatens the peace of Japan, so Yuki Onda (Aoki) is directed home from her American school by her father (Seki). With her sails a party of American diplomatic friends that includes Pierre Le Beau (Wheatcroft), to whom Yuki has pledged her love. Her father's faith in her inherited honor obliges her to marry Prince Hagane (Carewe), and in the opportunity to be of service to her country comes an opposing loyalty to him and love for Le Beau. Le Beau is an attache of the embassy of Australia in Japan, and he is made an unwilling instrument in an attempt to secure valuable information from her. Yuki, believing that she has failed in her trust, takes her own life, leaving a sorrowing Prince and the penitent and loving Le Beau.

Cast

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Preservation

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With no prints of The Breath of the Gods located in any film archives, it is considered a lost film.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Progressive Silent Film List: Breath of the Gods at silentera.com
  2. ^ The AFI Catalog of Feature Films: The Breath of the Gods
  3. ^ "Reviews: The Breath of the Gods". Exhibitors Herald. 11 (8). New York City: Exhibitors Herald Company: 89. August 21, 1920.
  4. ^ "American Silent Feature Film Database: The Breath of the Gods". Library of Congress. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
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