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April, 1911.
MOTOGRAPHY
25
The Death of Locusta's Son. (In the Days of Nero.)
of the Carthaginian theocracy, won over to the cause of Carthage Gersaken, an heroic chieftain of one of the barbarous tribes, who had previously placed himself in alliance with Rome.
The first scene reveals Arizath, the priestess, in the temple of the Moon and following it is a massive picture showing the interior of the temple of the Sun, with a crowd of worshippers listening to the words of the priests. The latter have just consulted the oracle and announce to the people that the gods will give victory to Carthage, if the priestess of the Moon succeeds in getting the moonstone which the barbarian chief, Gersaken, wears in his turban. The priests beseech Arizath to secure the moonstone at all hazards, and she consents. She retires to the beautiful temple of the moon and arrays herself in all her most bewitching vestments. This is one of the memorable scenes of the film — the spacious room, the subdued lighting, the harmonious surroundings, and the beautiful priestess being adorned by her graceful handmaidens. She departs for Gersaken's abode attired in regal splendor, sending a messenger on before.
Next we see the messenger in the tent of Gersaken. The latter consents to receive Arizath and treats her with courtly homage. He is manifestly impressed with her beauty and she has no difficulty in winning from him the moonstone. He promises to give it to her after the battle of the succeeding day.
He then sends her home escorted by a body guard.
While passing through the Square of Khanon, on ■her journey homewards, Arizath is met by a Persian nobleman who has long pressed his suit for marriage. He is insistent on this occasion and it requires the aid of the body guard to relieve Arizath of his presence. Repulsed, the Persian'vows to steal Gersaken's moonstone, thinking that the possession of that famous stone will win the love of Arizath. We see him, therefore, stealing into Gersaken's tent in the dead of night.
When the Persian enters the tent it is his intention at first to kill the slave holding the turban, but he changes his mind, and snatching the article he rushes out in the darkness. The slaves immediately raise the alarm and Gersaken seizes his sword and gives chase.
The slaves peer out into the darkness, and we know by the expression of horror on their countenances that Gersaken has overtaken the miscreant and wreaked vengeance upon him. Soon Gersaken returns with his dripping sword and he is followed by one of his men, who carries the Persian's head.
We are transported to the roof of the temple of the Moon, where the priestess, Arizath, and her attendants are engaged in their orisons. Shortly afterwards Gersaken arrives. He brings with him the promised moonstone and the ghastly trophy. Then