The first scene (which, like all others, is set and costumed in accordance with the period) shows the school of Ichabod Crane. 'Mid the frolic and games of the pupils comes a Negro from Mynheer Van Tassel, who bears an invitation to a party at that house, which will afford Ichabod an opportunity to meet the pretty Katrina. The scholars are promptly dismissed and Ichabod proceeds to brush up for the party. The film then shows the arrival of the quaint schoolmaster on his famous horse "Thunderer," and also that of his rival, Brom Bones. Katrina shows favor to neither of them, but later, in the house, she plays a trick on Crane, with the result that he is doused in a tub of water. The enjoyment of the guests at a quilting bee is shown, where the Dutch damsels are busy at work until the men arrive and the festivities begin. The old fiddler gets busy and the dance is in full swing. Poor Ichabod again suffers, for when he claims a kiss he gets one from an old maid instead of Katrina. Then the story telling begins, everybody listening carefully as the Headless Horseman is described, and who always rides over the bridge near the graveyard, holding his head under his arm. The last scene shows Ichabod, filled with awe by the story, starting home ; he must pass the exact spot, and Brom Bones, knowing this, conceives a trick. He carries a big pumpkin with him, and when Ichabod is well off on "Thunderer" he gallops after him. The chase is on, and Ichabod thinks the Headless Horseman is pursuing him. Over the bridge and through the graveyard they go, when suddenly Brom Bones hurls the pumpkin at Ichabod, and the poor schoolmaster, falling off his horse, prays for deliverance, and the horseman vanishes. Ichabod is never heard of from that day, and Brom Bones marries Katrina. The wedding ceremony and the village dance are now shown as an ending to the pretty legend.
