Nathan the Wise (1922)

At the end of the 12th century, the crusades are defeated during the third of their wars and are forced to make a truce with Sultan Saladin, the ruler of Jerusalem. Twenty captive knights are brought to the city, and all save one are executed. The pardoned Templar Knight walks the city in his white coat. When a fire happens in the house of a wealthy Jew Nathan, the young knight saves Nathan's daughter Recha, risking his own life.

Nathan returns home from business travel, bringing twenty camels laden with rich goods from Babylon. Nathan's brothers-in-faith honor the man «as if he were a prince.« He is «called the wise Nathan by them, not the rich.« Nathan is met by Recha's companion Daja, a Christian. She tells Nathan about events that took place, and he immediately wants to meet the noble savior and reward him generously. Daja explains that the knight is not willing to meet them and that he responded to her invitation with bitter scorns.