Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS 21 when the mount of Vesuvius throws out its molten lava and smoke, illuminating the clouded heavens with its scorching flames, casting a light -that strikes terror to the very core of the heart. Throwing their incidental shadows over this are the huge boulders, which are cast from the mouth of the volcano, spreading death and distress in their course, creating havoc wherever they fall and withering to ashes the many homes and palaces of the fated city. Then one sees the panic, consternation and pandemonium that reigns. People running hither and yon, crossing and recrossing their paths seeking safety where there is none. Loved ones being separated, children weeping, mothers pining and fathers raving, and all to be consumed by this agent of fate that is stretching out its fiery arms reaping lives by the score. This scene perhaps is the most wonderful of the entire production. But that which impresses one as the most beautiful and artistic is a view of the entire city from the distant shores, as Vesuvius, majestically looming high above the surrounding peaks, belches forth its missiles of death, and a darkness covering the surroundings that is evidence of an awful catastrophe that is sending human souls into the beyond. These scenes are not alone in their impressiveness, the picture abounds in them, showing a careful study o'~ the architecture of that period and of the mode of living. The acting is superb throughout. Capable players interpret these ancient characters in a convincing manner. The character of Glaucus, a wealthy Athenian nobleman, as interpreted by Signor Ubaldo Stefani, portrays a true characterization. Signor Stefani acts his part with an ease and grace that shows a thorough knowledge of his art. Signora Eugenia Tettoni. as lone, a beautiful Greek maiden, sweetheart to Glaucus, is a lady of personality that shows itself in her acting, which is splendidly done. Arbaces, an Egyptian high priest of the Temple of Isis, is played by Signor Antonio Trisanti. He plays the part of a villain and hypocrite, a role that is very seldom appreciated. But he plays it so well that he is due for considerable praise. Apaecides, brother of lone, pupil to Arbaces, is played by Signor Cesare Gani Carini. While this role does not call for much acting, the little it does require is done well by Signor Carini. The most difficult role and the one that is bound to bring forth much praise for its fair interpreter is that of Nydia, a blind Thessalian flower-girl, as presented by Signora Fernanda Negri-Pouget. Never for a moment does this young lady forget that she is afflicted with blind ness. Her presentation of the role also demonstrates that she must have given the actions and the methods of the blind a thorough study before attempting the part before the camera. One thoroughly realizes the utter darkness that afflicts her as she gropes her way, slowly progressing where others walk with a certainty that only emphasizes the more her affliction. And in the darkness of the terrible day, when havoc and terror reign, she guides those who can see through this hellish disaster to safety. The costuming is rich, beautiful and elaborate. It is complete to the last detail. Also noteworthy are the titles. They are well worded, nicely selected and properly placed. This film was made by the Ambrosio Company at Pompeii, Italy, from the novel by Lord Bulwer Stratonice, wife of Burbo, an innkeeper. Accompanied by Sallust, his friend. Glaucus one evening goes to the tavern of Burbo to place bets on the coming gladiatorial contests. After seeing the blind girl frightfully whipped by Stratonice, he purchases her from Burbo and takes her to his home. lone is the recipient of a letter from Arbaces, suggesting that she come and visit him, and intimating that his magic can show her the falsity of Glaucus. She accepts the invitation and the Egyptian conjures up a vision in which lone sees Glaucus making love to other women. Overcome by emotion, Arbaces embraces her. An instant later he is felled by the heavy hand of Apaecides. lone then flees to the home of Glau SCENE FROM "THE LAST DAYS OF POMPEII' Lytton, and the scenes of the drama take place about 79 A. D. Glaucus, a handsome and wealthy Athenian nobleman, living in the city of Pompeii, is the sweetheart of lone, a Grecian girl of great beauty. Apaecides, Ione's brother, is a young man of religious tendencies and the pupil of Arbaces, a crafty, lewd and unscrupulous Egyptian high priest of the Temple of Isis. An intense but unworthy love for lone has long been nourished by Arbaces. He despises his handsome rival, Glaucus, and plots his downfall. Cursed with blindness, Nydia, a sweet-minded Thessalian flower-girl, is madly in love with Glaucus, whom she has never seen, but whose kindly voice and everready purse have many times lightened the hand of her cruel mistress. cus, where Nydia, her heart torn with jealousy, ministers to the terrorstricken girl. In the meantime, his faith shattered,' Apaecides prepares to denounce Arbaces and renounce the creed of Isis. Nydia the following morning goes to the Temple of Isis. to seek solace for her aching heart. There she meets Arbaces and confides her love to him. The crafty Egyptian promises to secure from the witch of Vesuvius a love potion, which, if administered to Glaucus, should make him love Nydia forever. Glaucus and lone, in the meanwhile, while strolling on the mountainside, are caught by the rain and seek refuge in the witch's cave. The curse of the sorceress is brought down on Glaucus by killing her sacred (Continued on page 32}