The Vaquero's Vow 1908

Directed by D.W. Griffith

Manuella, a wealthy Mexican girl, rejects the honest cowboy Renaldo to marry Gonzales, a dashing but greedy musician. Upon finding her marriage-box empty of money, a furious Gonzales abandons Manuella for a life of dissipation. He later returns to violently rob her of her jewelry for drink money. Learning of the abuse, Renaldo confronts Gonzales in a destructive tavern brawl. Renaldo defeats the villainous husband but spares his life at Manuella’s request, ultimately rescuing her.