Eternal City on AllMovie

Bruno, a tramp (Richard Bennett), takes in a waif, David, who is later adopted by a man whose daughter, Roma, wants a playmate. The children grow up (to be played by Bert Lytell and Barbara LaMarr), and when World War I breaks out, David and Bruno enlist. David is reported dead and Roma, who is a talented sculptor, goes to Rome with the aid of Baron Bonelli (Lionel Barrymore). David is not actually dead, however, and he returns home. He joins the Fascist movement and becomes Mussolini's right hand man in fighting the Reds. David finds Roma and, believing she is the mistress of Bonelli, denounces her. She swears it's not true, however, and they make up. What neither of them have realized is that Bonelli is the power behind the Reds and they are plotting to kidnap David. David kills Bonelli and leads his Fascisti fellowmen to vanquish the Reds. Roma tries to take the blame for Bonelli's death, but David refuses to let her. He is pardoned for the good he has done Italy, and the childhood sweethearts are now joined together as adults.