Within the Gates was the English-language title of the 1913 Victor Sjostrom-directed drama Miraklet. The reviewer for the trade magazine Variety, who didn't know from Sjostrom, suggested that the film was of "German" or "Danish" origin (well, at least he was in the right hemisphere). The "heavy" of the piece is a lecherous priest who, despite his vows, falls in love with his best friend's sweetheart. Hoping to eliminate the competition, the priest persuades his friend's father to order the boy to enter the priesthood himself. The boy obeys his father, whereupon the girl falls suddenly ill. She is taken to a Lourdes-like "sacred spring," where it is hoped that she will miraculously regain her health. Conducting religious services at the spring is the girl's former lover, now a full priest. At the sight of her ex-boyfriend, the girl instantly recovers -- and it is left to the audience to determine whether or not a miracle has indeed occurred.
by Hal Erickson
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