Tannhäuser (1913)

Dramatic threereel film based on Wagners opera of chivalry and spiritual struggle Wandering minstrel Tannhauser wins the heart of Elizabeth niece of the powerful Landgrave Later under the spell of Venus and her nymphs Tannhauser passes into Venusberg a netherworld of earthly pleasures Returning to the Landgraves court he praises Venus in song and sparks the righteous anger of all present His own prayers and those of Elizabeth free him from enchantment and he takes up the habit of a monk devoting himself to God He sets off to seek absolution in Rome while Elizabeth waits at court ever weakening in his absence