Forgiving the Unforgivable in Silent Films

[telical]

There is this theme of forgiving the unforgivable that reoccurs in silent films.
And also the consequences of unforgiveness, like in "West of Zanzibar." I would
like to put together a list of the first kind of films. Does anyone know of any?

[Arndt]

SUNRISE
A COTTAGE ON DARTMOOR

[silentfilm]

In The General, Buster Keaton is forgiven for not enlisting, although the army wouldn't take him. And in Steamboat Bill, Jr., his dad forgives him for being a city boy. These are not exactly "unforgivable" sins though.

[LongRider]

Did John Gilbert forgive the German solider (for killing Slim in The Big Parade) when he gave him the cigarette? He certainly showed him some empathy.

Cheers,
Maureen

[Rodney]

This is so common, it's almost easier to think of films that DON'T involve forgiving sins!

City Girl, they forgive Dad for being a pill and shooting people
Faust, forgiven for signing a pact with the Devil (hey, that's a biggie)
Sunrise, forgiven for almost drowning his wife, as noted in a previous post
(What is it with Murnau? Did he have a need to be forgiven?)
Why Change Your Wife / Don't Change Your Husband: Forgiven for dumping a spouse and trying out someone more interesting.
The Marriage Circle: forgiven for appearing to fall for her college friend, she's forgiven for kissing his business partner
Quality Street: He is forgiven for thinking she's grown old, she's forgiven for posing as her own niece to give him a lesson about growing old
Amarilly of Clothesline Alley: forgiven for flirting with a rich dude
Metropolis: Oh, for Pete's sake, everyone's forgiven for destroying an ENTIRE CIVILIZATION through fits of pique
Way Down East: the dude is forgiven, sort of, for seducing Lilian Gish; she's forgiven, eventually, for being seduced
Birth of a Nation: the KKK is forgiven for multiple terrorist acts and vigilante killings
Strike: just kidding, no one's forgiven in Strike or any other Russian film

[gentlemanfarmer]

Rodney, I forgive you for that last post - rolling on the floor!

[Rollo Treadway]

Greed:
Jean Hersholt forgives Gibson Gowland, at least temporarily, for stealing Zasu Pitts

Big Business:
James Finlayson forgives Stan and Ollie for wrecking his house, they forgive him for wrecking their car

The Jazz Singer:
Al Jolson forgiven for jazz singing, for wearing blackface and for introducing the talkies

[Roseha]

And in Steamboat Bill, Jr., his dad forgives him for being a city boy. These are not exactly "unforgivable" sins though.

In rewatching Steamboat Bill, Jr. this past year, I was struck by the fact that Willie is dealing towards the end with rejection from his father, his girl, and the girl's father. Not for any unforgivable reason though as you say. But it takes the amazing storm and flood to give him the opportunity for rescue and self-redemption.

[35MM]

Judex aka Jacques de Tremeuse forgives the greedy banker who financially wiped out his family.