The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Synopsis:

 Proteus and Valentine have grown up together since childhood and each one is apparently devoted to the other. They have found themselves both promoted to the rank of Captain in the United States Army serving in Verona, Italy at the end of World War II. Valentine is transferred to Milan as part of a diplomatic mission while Proteus continues to serve under his father Colonel Antonio, in Verona. Proteus is happy to remain behind as he has fallen in love with Julia, a woman of Verona. Colonel Antonio decides that it is best for his son’s development to transfer him to another command, and orders Proteus to join the diplomatic mission to Milan. Proteus swears his love to Julia and promises to wed her upon his return.

Valentine, having arrived in Milan, has fallen in love with Sylvia, the daughter of an influential local Don. Silvia’s father wishes her to wed Thurio, a wealthy friend of the family. Silvia has fallen in love with Valentine, and they plan to elope. With much joy, Valentine welcomes Proteus to Milan and proudly introduces him to Silvia. Proteus falls instantly in lust with Silvia, discarding his love and pledge to Julia. Valentine asks Proteus for assistance in his plan to steal Silvia away from her father and elope. Proteus reveals the plot to Silvia’s father. The Don threatens Valentine with death. Proteus, who has managed to keep his participation in the betrayal a secret, convinces Valentine to hide out in the woods and volunteers to act as messenger between the two lovers. Proteus is now free to woo Silvia at his leisure.

Meanwhile, back in Verona, Julia can no longer bear being separated from Proteus. She decides to travel to Milan and surprise him. Because the war-torn Italian countryside is so dangerous, she decides to travel disguised as a man. Upon arriving in Milan, she discovers what Proteus is up to and manages to hire herself into his service as a messenger. It becomes her job to bear love messages from Proteus to Silvia.

Silvia, desperate to be reunited with Valentine employs Don Eglamour, a soldier of fortune, to help her escape to the woods where Valentine is hiding. Proteus discovers her flight and instantly pursues her forcing Julia, his new “man” to assist him in the chase.

Meanwhile, Valentine has been captured by “Vendettas” (criminals of passion) who hide out in the woods. They are so impressed with Valentine that they elect him to be their captain. Proteus manages to overtake Silvia in the woods and attempts to force himself upon her. At that moment Valentine and his Vendettas arrive to save the day. Julia reveals her true identity. Proteus, moved by her passion, realizes that she is his true love and begs forgiveness. Valentine, in honor of their lifelong friendship, forgives Proteus for his betrayal and all ends happily.

As a sub-plot, two comics Private Launce and Private Speed are working as a comedy team in a USO show in Verona. As Private Launce is assigned to Captain Proteus and Private Speed is assigned to Captain Valentine they must also suffer a “break-up” when Captain Valentine is transferred. They are reunited in Milan when Captain Proteus is transferred there and they continue their act as best they can throughout the crisis that envelope their captains.