Swords and Hearts

Swords and Hearts is a 1911 American silent drama film directed by D. W. Griffith and released by the Biograph Company.

Plot summary

Hugh Frazier, a Confederate officer during the American Civil War, is trailed by Union soldiers while stopping to visit his sweetheart Irene Lambert. Jenny Baker, a poor young woman who is a not-so-secret admirer of the officer, puts on his overcoat and takes his horse and rides away, causing the Union soldiers to follow. After the war, Jenny and Hugh are reunited.

Commentary

Jenny Baker is fearless after she dons the officer's overcoat and takes his horse to divert the Union soldiers. Her horsemanship is emphasized over the other male riders, as soon as she is on the horse she rides at full speed and she alone among the riders has her horse rear up on its hind legs.

Preservation

Copies of Swords and Hearts are held by the Museum of Modern Art and BFI National Archive.