Salome (1919)

Synopsis of Salome

In this Theda Bara spectacular, she plays one of history's most notorious vamps. Salome, a favorite of the Roman court, uses her feminine wiles to get anything she wants. The only man who doesn't fall for her tricks is John the Baptist (Albert Roscoe, who played the part clean-shaven). Salome wreaks havoc in the court until a banquet King Herod (G. Raymond Nye) holds for the captains of his army. John the Baptist is being held prisoner at the palace and Salome once again tries to make him succumb to her. When he turns a cold shoulder, she angrily leaves and offers to dance for Herod as long as he rewards her with anything she wants. He agrees and she dances. When she is done she asks for the head of John the Baptist. Even though Herod is horrified by this request, he accedes to her demand and his head is brought out on a platter. Salome kisses the dead man's lips and a monstrous storm rises up. Herod, believing that this is a sign from the God preached by John the Baptist, has Salome put to death. This was Bara's biggest release since Cleopatra, released a year earlier. Its sets were elaborate (although apparently not historically correct) and her costumes impressive. It was the star's last hurrah before her career began its downslide. ~ Janiss Garza, Rovi

Director(s):

J. Gordon Edwards

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