The Lady of the Lake

Sir Walter Scott's classic poem is brought to life in this lavish 1925 Gainsborough Pictures production. Exiled from the court by King James V of Scotland, James Douglas flees to the Highlands and protection of the rebellious chieftain Roderick Dhu. Douglas' beautiful daughter, Ellen, becomes known as "The Lady Of The Lake." A noble hunter, James FitzJames, is lost in the rebel's territory and Ellen saves his life by protecting him from the bloodthirsty Roderick. The outlaw leader intends to force Ellen to marry him and tensions between him and FitzJames lead to an inevitable duel from which only one will walk away alive. This well-conceived ably directed first rate production features beautiful location photography and powerful performances by Percy Monmart and Benita Hume, the future Mrs. Ronald Colman.

BONUS: ENOCH ARDEN (1915, B&W): A seaman marooned on a desert island for ten years, returns home to find his beloved wife happily remarried, in this tragic tale beautifully directed by a young D.W. Griffith. Stars Wilfred Lucas, Linda Arvidson;Directed by D.W. Griffith. Based on a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson.

• drama