In the Footprints of Mozart
Directed by Tom RickettsHopelessly, Stanton works with compositions; returned manuscripts, with his sweetheart Ruth's ring which her aristocratic mother forced her to surrender, are crushing his ambition. An aged neighbor enters, seared with evidence of life's struggle and says "Tell me not in mournful numbers. Life is but an empty dream." The old man's tale of being saved by Stanton's music awakens Stanton to hope and courage and saves his life. Alone, Stanton gazes at the silent features in the bust of Mozart and recalls the tragedy of his world's master of 624 operas, Masses, etc. Mozart, in dying hours, writes the "Requiem" on special order, praying that it will bring money and fame. Mozart sings this "Requiem" with his dying breath, passes away, and is buried in an unknown grave in the Potter's Field. "Lives of great men all remind us/We can make our lives sublime." Stanton sees Mozart's feeble wife laying a tiny wreath at the foot of the cross and believes that heaven's choir is singing the "Gloria" chorus beside the brokenhearted wife. He gazes at the "Gloria" Chorus, recalls the choir which sang it as all choirs have done, takes courage, and with heart, opens his window as of old and plays his violin with all his soul. Outside the aged neighbor is waiting for these tones: "A stranger, passing, stops, is charmed; finds the originator of the marvelous music; discovers in the discarded mass that for which he seeks, and through him fortune smiles and Stanton looks up: 'With a heart for any fate.'" Ruth turns from her mother, declares she shall starve with Stanton rather than turn from him. She goes to him, declares her purpose. Stanton puts the half-eaten loaf of bread aside, shows Ruth money and his turning tide. Stanton clasps Ruth to his breast. The old man looks in and smiles his blessing as he sees Ruth take the tiny dried wreath of leaves from Mozart's picture and lay it on her lover's brow.
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Cast of In the Footprints of Mozart
