Movie Description:
ACT II The heights of Rutli. In the distance can beglimpsed the Lake of theFour Cantons. Night has fallen: The hunters return to the village, while the shepards` song echoes in the distance. Enter Matilda, hoping to see Arnoldagain, who is not long in arriving. After a brief amorous preamble, Matilda exhortsArnold to become a follower of Gessler; only thus will theybe able to be married without too many difficulties. Distrurbed by the sudden entry of William and Walter, Matlida flees. Arnold confesses his love of Matilda, despite the remonstrances of William and Walter. The two men reveal to him finally that Gessler has hadMelchthal killed. Shaken by this news, Arnold resolves to joinWalter and William in their struggle against the oppressor. In the meantime the inhabitants of the cantons Unterwalden, Schwitz and Uricome in, by twos and threes. Urged by William, all those present solemnlyswear to fight the enemy. It is dawn. ACT III Scene one: Interior of an oldruined chapel: Arnold reveals to Matilda his decision to fight for his country. The two bidone another farewell forever.Meanwhile can be heard the echoes of a distant festivity whichGessler has ordered to takeplace on that day, in the village of Altdorf. Scene two: The square of Altdorf: In the middle of the square a trophy of arms has been erected, surmounted by Gessler`s cap, to whichthe people are obliged to pay homage. The festivity continues. Gessler`s men however provokegeneral indignation by forcingthe local women to take part inthe dancing. William and Jemmy refuse to kneel in front of thetrophy and are a accordingly dragged before Gessler.Tell is accused of complicity in the escape of Leutold and is arrested, but first he ordersJemmy to light a fire onthe mountain, as a signal of revolt tothe conspirators. Jemmy is held back bythe guards. If Williamwishes to save himself and hisson`s life, he must hit with anarrow an apple placed on Jemmy`shead. William is perplexed and hesitates, but Jemmy spurs him to face the ordeal. William blesses his son andexhortshim to stand motionless. Hethen takes aim and hits the apple. The people exult. William faints with joy and from his jerkin falls a second arrowwhich he had hidden there. Gesslerdemands an explanation and William confesses that he wouldhave used it to kill him had hemissed his target. Gesslerhas William arrested andcondemned to death. In the meantime Matilda has arrivedwith her retinue and decides to take Jemmy into her protection. The soldiersdrag William away in chains, while the people curse Gessler. ACT IV Scene one: In front of Melchthal`shouse: In his fayther`s house, Arnold contemplates revenging the murder ofMelchthal and plans to free William. Meanwhile he thinks bitterly of the happy days now over. Enter the peasents, who want tofree William. Arnold reveals to them the place where the arms are hidden. Scene Two: Near the Lake of the Four Cantons: Matilda returns Jemmy to his motherand offers herself as ahostage in return for Williams freedom. Jemmy sets fire to William`s houseas the signal of revolt. Edwige and thewomen pray for William`s life. Enter Leutold, who says he has seena boat carrying Gessler and the prisonerWilliam. The lake is lashed bya dreadful storm. William succeeds in bringing the craft to the shore and leaps onto a rock, while pushing theboat back into the lake, with Gessler and the soldiers in it. Gessler`s boat sinks, but the tyrant attempts to swim ashore. Williampierces him with an arrow. Thestorm dies away. Arnold, Walter and the armed peasents bring the news that Altdorf hasbeen conquered. Switzerland isfree. The people rejoice. The storm has finally abated abd the sun is shining once again.
