Hearts of the World

Hearts of the World also known as Loves Struggle is a 1918 American silent World War I propaganda film written, produced and directed by D. W. Griffith. In an effort to change the neutral mindset of the American public about the war, the British Government contacted Griffith to make the film due to his stature and reputation for dramatic filmmaking.

Two families live next to one another in a French village on the eve of World War I. The Boy in one of the families falls for the only daughter in the other family. As they make preparations for marriage, World War I breaks out, and, although the Boy is American, he feels he should fight for the country in which he lives.When the French retreat, the village is shelled. The Boys father and the Girls mother and grandfather are killed. The Girl, deranged, wanders aimlessly through the battlefield and comes upon the Boy badly wounded and unconscious. She finds her way back to the village where she is nursed back to health by The Little Disturber who had previously been a rival for the Boys affections. The Boy is carried off by the Red Cross. Von Strohm, a German officer, lusts after the Girl and attempts to rape her, but she narrowly escapes when he is called away by his commanding officer. ........

Source: Wikipedia