The Senorita - Production & Contact Info

The Senorita (1909)
Short | Short, Drama

The Senorita (1909)

Short | Short, Drama

The story deals with the old aristocratic chivalry of the Mexican gentleman, whose well-bred family traits and traditions eliminate thought of nationality in a wholesome desire of offering hospitality to the stranger. In this instance the ...See moreThe story deals with the old aristocratic chivalry of the Mexican gentleman, whose well-bred family traits and traditions eliminate thought of nationality in a wholesome desire of offering hospitality to the stranger. In this instance the stranger is an American, a "Gringo," that type not loved too well by our friends across the frontier. Nor indeed is Jack Thornton a very lovable character, as our tale will bear out. We first find him bent under the weight of the saddle and bridle of his horse that has just perished from over-riding, fatigue and thirst. Spent with his long, weary foot journey, the last drop of water gone from his canteen, overcome, he sinks upon the heated rocks, exhausted, unconscious. Soon after, an Apache Indian on horseback, his squaw trudging on foot by his side, discovers our insensible "Americano." Believing him dead they proceed to rifle his pockets. At this juncture, Juarez, a young Mexican, and his fiancée, Conchita, daughter of old Don Jose Vallejo, a well-to-do rancher, find the Indians in the act of robbing the supposedly dead body. After reviving Thornton with the aid of the squaw's water bottle, they hail two passing Mexicans, and placing the limp body on the horse of one, proceed to carry him to Conchita's home, first having dispatched the Apache to announce their coming to Don Jose. Within a few weeks Jack is gradually nursed back to strength and health. The pretty Conchita has been attentive to his wants, and the cavalier disposition of her affianced husband and her father prevent their noticing the close intimacy that has grown up between her and Thornton. But a peon, Criko, servant to Don Jose, and a devoted slave to his young mistress, alone sees the change that is slowly dulling the senses of Conchita to all else, save the promptings of her American wooer. One day, while strumming his mandolin, Criko passes the window of the sitting room in the Don's adobe. The sound of voices arrests his attention, and his suspicions are confirmed, for he sees Thornton urging his love for Conchita. Hate grips hard his heart, he thinks of only a few years back when he used to lift the child Conchita to the back of a little pony. He is about to conceal himself, when he is suddenly summoned by the girl into the room. Upon entering, Thornton asks him to post a letter he has just written, tossing him a coin as recompense. He refuses to take the money, his compliance with the request being done for the Senorita alone. Upon departing, he again watches from the window, sees the renewal of Thorton's advances. Much perturbed of mind and sore of heart, he goes slowly towards the gates of the old adobe, where he sees Juarez approaching and relates to him what he has just seen. Incredulous and angered at information thus received from a lackey, Juarez throttles the peon, and then relenting his act, passes quietly on to the house. It is then that Criko, dismayed and yet shrewd in his fright, conceals Thornton's letter near the gates. As we follow Juarez, we find him, after greetings to the Don and his Senora, entering the sitting room, where he finds his fiancée clasped in his rival's arms. With all the fiercely angered passion of his nature he draws his stiletto; then realizing the futility of any satisfaction to himself or to Conchita in the blow he is about to strike, if her love for him has ceased, he finally joins their hands, at the same time taking oath, that if ever Thornton proves unjust to her, his life shall answer therefor. Despondent, grief stricken to the core, he staggers from the room, from the house, and beset by the Don and the Senora, he confesses the truth to them. Immediately the daughter is summoned. She shamefacedly admits her love for the "Gringo," and is ordered from the adobe. We will pass over the chagrin and suffering of father and mother to note the tearful departure of Conchita from her childhood's home. Thornton tries to comfort her, but is brutal to Criko, who begs to be permitted to accompany the pair. Just as the couple gallop away, Juarez, downcast and brokenhearted, meets Crlko. With the shrewd cunning of his cast, although only guessing at the contents, he urges his master to read the letter he had concealed by the gate. He tells him that he feels sure that the evidences of the true character of the American are set forth therein. The Mexican's eyes dominant sense of chivalry at first withholds him, then jealousy conquers. He tears open the letter, and his amazed eyes are met with the following lines: "Dear Old Pard, Since writing you last letter, have concluded to continue my stay awhile longer. The fiancé (Ha. Ha!) of my little Mexican girl is losing ground. I believe she is beginning to love me. Now, if I was only a single man." Juarez has read enough; his eyes are open to the awful truth of the situation. He hesitates no longer now. His one desire is to save the girl from the impending fate. .So, hurriedly mounting his horse, he rushes on after the pair closely followed by the peon. He overtakes them and the three dismount. He produces the convicting letter, demonstrating to the surprised Conchita what little faith could be placed in this "Gringo" stranger, who had a wife already. Whereupon a fight ensues between the two men. Knife to knife they struggle, until Thornton's superior strength places the Mexican at his mercy. Just as the fatal blow is about to fall, Criko, who has crept stealthily upon the furious combatants, covers Thornton with his own gun. The odds against him and the little Senorita knowing his duplicity, Thornton departs. The peon, delighted in the reunion of the two whom his faithful heart adores, bends his knee to the blessings they both whisper in the renewal of their love. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less

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