Mockery (1927)

In the frosty, desolate landscapes of Siberia, amidst the chaos of the Russian Civil War, we find Sergei, a simple-minded peasant, scavenging among the lifeless bodies for sustenance. His stark existence takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a mysterious, refined lady on a quest to reach the town of Novokursk. She seeks his assistance, proposing a harmless deception - to pose as her husband to all they encounter. Stumbling upon a desolate house, they seek shelter, unbeknownst to them, a stranger lurks within its walls. The bond between Sergei and the lady grows, signified by him humbly washing her feet and preparing a place for her to sleep. However, their serene moment is disrupted when the lurking stranger reveals himself, accompanied by suspicious cossacks. Despite the brutal assault on Sergei, his loyalty remains unbroken; he refuses to betray the lady's secret. Their rescue arrives in the form of the White cavalry, revealing the lady as the illustrious Countess Alexandrova. In Novokursk, she finds refuge with the affluent Gaidaroff family, leaving Sergei behind. Upon recovering, Sergei, driven by their unspoken bond, seeks out the Countess, who reluctantly offers him employment in her opulent household. Now immersed in a world of wealth and revolution, Sergei finds himself influenced by the revolutionary ideals of Ivan, a fellow servant. As the White troops depart to repel an attack, the Reds seize their chance to strike, leaving Sergei and the Countess in the heart of the brewing storm...

Mockery is a drama movie featuring Mack Swain and directed by Benjamin Christensen.

Mockery is currently streaming on DIRECTV and TCM.