File:1911 Paradisi (film).jpg

{it} Il tamburino sardo / {en} Besieged [1] (Italy, 1911), directed by Umberto Paradisi. <Vimeo>

A company of soldiers are attacked by an overwhelming number of the enemy and are forced to defend themselves as best they may in a stone house. They gallantly repulse the attack for a long while, but their numbers become gradually weakened and they can hardly hold out much longer. Suddenly a drummer boy volunteers to go for aid. He is let down from a window by means of a rope and is soon on his way. Although wounded and greatly fatigued by his perilous journey, he struggles into camp. A detachment immediately sets out and relieves the imperiled company. After the battle the drummer boy is greatly rewarded for his bravery.

First film adaptation of the story from the "libro Cuore' by Edmondo De Amicis.