- After a prologue which shows several aerial views of the Acropolis, the story begins. The friendship of Damon, the senator, and Pythias, the soldier, is famous in Ancient Syracuse. Because the general Dionysius is infatuated with Calanthe, Pythias' sweetheart, he sends the soldier to fight the Carthaginians at the Battle of Agrigentum. Pythias returns in triumph, and then angers Dionysius even further when he defeats Aristle, the general's favorite, in a chariot race. During the wedding ceremony for Pythias and Calanthe, Dionysius has himself proclaimed sovereign while Damon is absent from the Senate. Shocked, Damon attempts to assassinate Dionysius, but he fails and is sentenced to death. In order for Damon to say goodbye to his wife and son, Pythias leaves Calanthe and takes his friend's place in prison, offering to die in Damon's place if he does not return. Despite several tests of the strength of their friendship, they remain loyal to each other and so impress Dionysius that he allows them both Free.
- The scenes open on the Island of Sicily, four hundred years before the dawn of the Christian era, when Greece was in the height of her marvelous power and glory. The story opens in Syracuse, a city governed by a body of Senators. Dionysius, its chief of generals, covets the throne and is strongly opposed by the senator, Damon. Among the generals of Dionysius, Pythias is his favorite, for through his valor many laurels have been added to the fame of his chieftain. The friendship between the senator, Damon, and the warrior, Pythias, is a matter of note in Syracuse. Pythias goes to visit Damon at his villa near the city. The wife and son of the latter greet him, and the boy is delighted when the soldier presents him with miniature replicas of his own helmet, sword, shield and chariot. Meanwhile, in Syracuse, Dionysius sees Calanthe, daughter of Arria and the affianced of Pythias, and desires her as his own. Tablets come to the general from Agrigentum, stating that the city is being attacked by a horde of Carthaginians and its destruction is feared. Dionysius is asked to come with his armies or send a trusted general in command. Still coveting Calanthe, a vision of her dancing among the maidens, comes to the General, and he decides to send Pythias to battle, hoping that he may not return. Heedless of the pleas of Calanthe, the soldier, Pythias, leads his men to the besieged city. Fate, not favoring the plans of Dionysius, gives to Pythias victory. Calanthe, fearful of her lover's safety, seeks an oracle and in its black cauldron sees a vision of her beloved surrounded by a grateful people. The head of his legions, Pythias, returns to Syracuse a conquering hero and is greeted by the admiring populace. Fetes and games are arranged in his honor. A chariot race is announced and Dionysius, still plotting, pits Aristle, the best charioteer in all Sicily, against Pythias. The race is run and Pythias is the victor and again the hero of the hour. So great becomes the soldier's popularity that Dionysius again desiring to destroy Pythias' fame, schemes to ascend the throne. Pythias' wedding to Calanthe is set for the following day. Taking the time as auspicious, knowing that Damon will be absent from the Senate to attend the ceremonials of his friend, Dionysius plots with Philistus, president of the Senate, to be offered the crown. The Senate assembles. Philistus proposes to choose Dionysius as king. The minority protests and dispatches a messenger for Damon. The tyrant is crowned. Damon, banishing all thought of self in his desire to keep Syracuse a free state, attempts to assassinate Dionysius. He is thrown into prison when Pythias, summoned by a slave, begs Dionysius for pity. Damon asks to go and see his wife and child. Pythias becomes his hostage. Damon is given until sunset to return. Accompanied by his faithful servant, Lucullus. the Senator goes on horseback to his villa. Then to his friendship comes the greatest demand, to bid a last farewell to his wife and son and returns to set Pvthias free while he dies upon the scaffold. Damon tears himself from his loved ones only to find that the too-faithful slave, hoping to detain him, has slain his horse. Syracuse is three leagues away. Damon attacks a soldier and takes his steed. The horse falls and is unable to go farther. Damon speeds on afoot. Meanwhile, Dionysius, disguised, endeavors to test the friendship of Damon and Pythias. Calanthe, unsuspecting, goes with him to Pythias, and through her the plotting king tempts the young soldier to flee, telling him that Damon shall not return. Pythias struggles with self, his desire for freedom, his love for Calanthe, but his friendship for Damon triumphs. He will face death rather than dishonor. Sunset's hour arrives. Crowds gather about execution place. Pythias lays his head upon the block. The axe is lifted to strike just as Damon, exhausted and weak, falls into the arms of his friend. Throwing off his disguise, Dionysius commands the heralds to announce the pardon of the Senator, refusing to sunder such a friendship as that of Damon and Pythias.—Moving Picture World synopsis
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