The Robber Duke

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Drama of the days of the "good King," Henry IV of France. In this pictorial romance the costumes and scenery of the period have been carefully studied and reproduced, and the historical characters are accurately represented. The fact of the audacious behavior of the Duke of Merigny towards his tenants and vassals is brought to the "good King." who takes immediate measures to repress the outrages. Oliver of Serres is commanded to assure the peasants of royal protection, but the Duke continues his oppressions in spite of the King's decree. Rebellion ensues, and the leaders are imprisoned by the Duke. Thereupon the King himself journeys to the castle and, in a scene of great charm, grants to the peasants their rights, and coldly dismisses the ducal oppressor. In the final episode the good King provides a hearty meal for the peasants, and endears himself by nursing for a moment some of the child victims of the Duke.