Judith of Bethulia

(1914)

60 minutes

Film / Silent / Drama / Biography / Adventure

Directed by D.W. Griffith

Cast: Lillian Gish, Blanche Sweet, Henry B. Walthall, Mae Marsh, Robert Harron and Dorothy Gish

A fascinating work of high artistry, "Judith of Bethulia", will not only rank as an achievement in this country, but will make foreign producers sit up and take notice. It has a signal and imperative message, and the technique displayed throughout an infinity of detail, embracing even the delicate film tinting and toning, marks an encouraging step in the development of the new art. Ancient in story and settings, it is modern in penetrative interpretation and it is a vivid history of one phase of the time it concerns. Redemptive as well as relative, a lesson from one of those vital struggles that made and unmade nations as well as individuals, yet it is not without that inspiring influence that appeals powerfully to human sense of justice. The entire vigorous action of the play works up to the personal sacrifice of Judith of Bethulia, a perilous chance she takes for the sake of the lives and happiness of her people.