Story: A young soldier (Phillips Smalley) is about to head off to the frontlines, but before he goes, he spends a last bit of time with his sweetheart (Lois Weber). As he travels to risk his life in the fields of battle, he holds the rosary she gave him close, while the separation is too much for her to bear, so she faints as he rides off. As days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months, the soldier keeps himself close to his love through her rosary, but as he faces danger on a daily basis, can he survive the horrors of war and reunite with his beloved?

Entertainment Value: The Rosary is a skillful creation, with Lois Weber using a circular frame to make the visuals stand out, while only using a few title cards. The circular frame gives the film a more unique feel and dovetails with how the movie is present as a memory, with the visuals really giving off a nostalgic vibe that works so well. The story is fine, a melodrama set during the Civil War and there’s romance and true love and an interesting finale. I wasn’t dazzled by the narrative, but the conclusion was well chosen and helps keep The Rosary memorable. But for me, this fifteen minute short is more about a feeling than the actual story itself, though the short as a whole is striking and if you have an interest in early cinema, is worth a look.

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