Summary
In an era of burgeoning global capitalism and shifting political landscapes, 'The Americano' unfurls a vibrant tapestry of adventurism and romance, centered on Doug, an ostensibly indifferent American mining engineer. His initial disinterest in the Paragonian President Valdez's ambitious proposition to revitalize the nation's dormant mines evaporates with the sudden, captivating appearance of Valdez's daughter, Juana. What begins as a transactional negotiation quickly morphs into a personal crusade when political upheaval violently shatters the fragile peace. Valdez, upon his return, is swiftly overthrown by the treacherous Generals Sanchez and Garcia, subsequently incarcerated within the formidable San Mateo Prison. Doug, now dubbed 'The Americano,' arrives in the tumultuous capital only to discover his company's local outpost in disarray, its sanctity violated, yet he unearths a beacon of loyalty in the hidden caretaker, Dan. The plot thickens with the clandestine intervention of former Prime Minister Castille, now relegated to the guise of a humble peddler, providing a crucial link to the besieged regime. Simultaneously, from the grim confines of his cell, President Valdez orchestrates a desperate plea, scribbling the enigmatic date '23 Noviembre 1899' onto scraps of paper, casting them into the wind as if mere refuse. Juana, with a stroke of intuition and historical insight, consults her father's meticulously kept diary, unearthing the profound significance of that specific date: it chronicles a successful, audacious escape from San Mateo Prison, meticulously detailing the existence and utilization of a long-forgotten secret tunnel. The revelation ignites a desperate race against time, as the tyrannical Garcia issues an ultimatum – Juana must accede to a forced marriage by the morrow, or her father will face execution – propelling 'The Americano' and his allies into a perilous gambit for freedom and justice.
Synopsis
Doug is an American mining engineer. Pres. Valdez of Paragonia (Aitken) wants him to reopen the country's mines. Doug is not interested ... until he sees the President's beautiful daughter, Juana (Rubens). Valdez returns to Paragonia, but is deposed by Generals Sanchez and Garcia and locked in San Mateo Prison. The Americano arrives. His company's local office has been ransacked, but he finds loyal caretaker Dan (Wilson) in hiding there. He is contacted by former Prime Minister Castille, now in disguise as a peddler... Valdez writes the mysterious date "23 Noviembre 1899" on scraps of paper which are then thrown from the prison window as garbage. Juana checks her father's diary. That date contains an account of a successful escape from San Mateo, using the secret tunnel! But Garcia demands that Juana marry him the next day or Valdez will die...
Review Excerpt
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Stepping back into the golden age of silent cinema, one often finds themselves enchanted by the sheer dynamism and boundless charisma of its stars. Among them, Douglas Fairbanks reigns supreme as an icon of athletic grace and swashbuckling adventure. His 1916 vehicle, 'The Americano', is a vibrant testament to his early appeal, a film that encapsulates the era's fascination with exotic locales, political intrigue, and the irresistible allure of a dashing hero. Directed by John Emerson, who ..."
