Mothers of France (1916) in Color — Starring Sarah Bernhardt & Berthe Jalabert

Mothers of France (1916) — Buy This Classic in Color

Mothers of France (1916), originally titled Mères françaises, is a powerful French silent drama now available in color as a premium digital download. Directed by Louis Mercanton and René Hervil, this restored classic film stars the legendary Sarah Bernhardt as a devoted mother enduring the heartbreak of World War I. This moving wartime epic captures the spirit of French resilience through one family’s sacrifice and was originally produced as a rallying cry for the Allied cause. Own this professionally colorized and restored masterpiece in HD — instant, DRM-free delivery to any device.

Plot Summary

Set during World War I, Jeanne d’Urbex (Sarah Bernhardt) watches as her husband Commandant d’Urbex (Gabriel Signoret) and son Lieutenant Robert d’Urbex (Jean Signoret) march off to defend France against the German invasion. As the war ravages the nation, personal tragedy strikes the family. Comrade Noret (Georges Melchior) brings news from the front, while their neighbors Mme. Lebroux (Berthe Jalabert) and her daughter Marie (Louise Lagrange) face their own painful wartime struggles. Through devastating loss, Jeanne transforms her grief into fierce patriotic resolve, embodying the strength and sacrifice of countless French mothers during the Great War. Bernhardt’s commanding silent performance, filmed when she was 72 years old and after a leg amputation, turns this wartime drama into an unforgettable tribute to resilience and maternal courage on the homefront. The film’s blend of personal drama and national allegory remains striking more than a century later.

Cast & Crew

• Starring: Sarah Bernhardt, Gabriel Signoret, Jean Signoret, Berthe Jalabert, Georges Melchior, Louise Lagrange
• Directors: Louis Mercanton, René Hervil
• Genre: Drama, War
• Runtime: 74 minutes
• Year: 1916
• Rating: NR
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
• Country: France
• Language: Silent (French intertitles)

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Originally filmed in black and white over a century ago, this colorized version has been professionally colorized and restored frame by frame in HD. Era-accurate hues illuminate the somber homefront scenes — from faded family portraits to vibrant French tricolor flags — heightening Sarah Bernhardt’s iconic portrayal. The colorization, known in French as colorisé, brings renewed depth to the wartime landscapes and intimate domestic moments that define this classic film.

This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of early French cinema history in vivid color. The restoration preserves every nuance of Bernhardt’s legendary screen presence while adding a visual richness that brings the World War I setting to life for modern audiences. Viewers worldwide can now experience this landmark silent drama in colour for the first time.

Buy now for an instant, secure digital download with no DRM restrictions. Compatible with all devices that play MP4 files.

Technical Details

• Original Format: Black and White (1916)
• Colorized: Frame-by-frame HD restoration
• Resolution: HD 720p
• File Format: MP4 / MKV
• Running Time: 74 minutes
• Language: Silent (French intertitles)
• Delivery: Instant download link on-screen and sent to your email upon purchase.
• Price: €15.00
• License: Personal, non-commercial use

Originally released as Mères françaises in France, this classic movie is now available en couleur for modern audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: What role does Sarah Bernhardt play in Mothers of France?
Sarah Bernhardt stars as Jeanne d’Urbex, a devoted French mother who endures the loss of family members to the war and channels her sorrow into unwavering support for the nation’s fight. Her performance remains one of the most memorable portrayals of wartime maternal sacrifice in early cinema.

Q: How does the film reflect World War I propaganda?
As a 1916 production released during the height of the conflict, it glorifies maternal sacrifice and French resilience, urging civilian support for the troops through Bernhardt’s emotional performance and vivid depictions of homefront devotion. The film was screened internationally to build support for the Allied cause.

Q: Why is this considered a milestone for Sarah Bernhardt?
At 72 years old with a recent leg amputation, Bernhardt returned to the screen for this demanding role, showcasing her legendary commitment and making this one of her final major film appearances. Her willingness to perform under such conditions cemented her reputation as one of the greatest actresses of her era.

Digital Download Questions

Q: Is this the original film with added color?
Yes, this is the original black-and-white film professionally colorized frame-by-frame for authentic, vibrant visuals. The restoration preserves the full original runtime and all French intertitles.

Q: Is the download DRM-free?
Yes, this digital download is completely DRM-free for your personal use. You can store it on any device and watch it as many times as you like.

Q: What devices can I watch this on?
Any device that supports MP4 playback, including Smart TVs, Windows/macOS computers, and iOS/Android devices.

Q: How and when will I receive my download?
You will receive a secure download link on the confirmation page immediately after purchase. A copy of the link will also be sent to your email address.

Related Colorized Classics

• Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages (1916)
• London After Midnight (1927) Minoru Production
• Metropolis (1927)
• London After Midnight (1927) Metro Production