Vintage original 11 x 14 in. US title lobby card from the lost teens WWI-themed silent film war drama, FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE WORLD, released in 1917 by Goldwyn Distributing Company and directed by Romaine Fielding. 
 
For the Freedom of the World is a lost silent film, as no prints are known to exist. Printed on a semi-glossy stock for the film's original 1917 US theatrical release, the design features a stark image of a battlefield as two men run while explosions light-up the night sky in the background. It is unrestored in good- condition only and has been lightly trimmed to approximately 10.75 x 13.75 in. 
 
*"A trade showing of this film was given on 10 September 1917. The film contained actual footage of "the appearance of Pershing in France," in addition to realistic training and battle scenes. Night scenes were illuminated by actual star bombs and trench rockets. The Canadian Government cooperated with the production, and the Canadian Ordnance Department supplied star bombs, trench rockets and fixed lights for the night scenes. According to pre-release articles, the film, which was shot in Philadelphia as well as Canada, employed thousands of Canadian troops for maneuver sequences. Var calls Barbara Castleton's character Dollie Milburn. The film was originally planned as a state rights release, but in Oct 1917 the Goldwyn Distribution Corp. announced plans to distribute the film worldwide. The working title of the film was The Freedom of the World. The National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) included this film on its list of Lost U.S. Silent Feature Films as of February 2021.
 
Gordon Harvey, a wealthy American, enlists in the American Legion of the Canadian Army to fight with the Allies even before his own country has entered World War I. He woos and weds Betty Milburn, and then, because the young bride cannot bear to be parted from her new husband, she disguises herself as a Red Cross nurse and accompanies him to France. Ralph Perry, a spurned suitor, reveals her presence to the authorities, knowing that the young couple will be sentenced to death for breaking military rules. Rather than send Betty to the firing squad, Gordon shoots her and then embarks on a suicidal combat mission. He is saved by Perry, however, and awarded a Victoria Cross for heroism. Betty, only wounded by the shot, recovers and is reunited with her husband.
*(source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films)
 
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