Upon release, the said to be the longest film feature ever - the biblical-era "Judith of Bethulia". Notably directed by D.W. Griffith, it's really not as good as some of his previous releases; in hindsight, its length is perhaps its most remembered feature.
The story centers on Judith (Blanche Sweet) courageously figuring to save her city (Bethulia) from the invading army of the conqueror Holofernes (Henry B. Walthall). To wit, Ms. Sweet dresses herself up in order to seduce Mr. Walthall. She looks more ridiculous than seductive, with what looks like a peacock on her head. Walthall's other ladies, and eunuch (!), look more fetching.
A marvelous actor, Walthall doesn't have much to do in "Judith". The acting honors are stolen, early on, by Mae Marsh and Robert Harron, perhaps because they were directed to walk around without over-emoting. There are some exciting battle sequences.
****** Judith of Bethulia (3/8/14) D.W. Griffith ~ Blanche Sweet, Henry B. Walthall, Mae Marsh, Robert Harron
The story centers on Judith (Blanche Sweet) courageously figuring to save her city (Bethulia) from the invading army of the conqueror Holofernes (Henry B. Walthall). To wit, Ms. Sweet dresses herself up in order to seduce Mr. Walthall. She looks more ridiculous than seductive, with what looks like a peacock on her head. Walthall's other ladies, and eunuch (!), look more fetching.
A marvelous actor, Walthall doesn't have much to do in "Judith". The acting honors are stolen, early on, by Mae Marsh and Robert Harron, perhaps because they were directed to walk around without over-emoting. There are some exciting battle sequences.
****** Judith of Bethulia (3/8/14) D.W. Griffith ~ Blanche Sweet, Henry B. Walthall, Mae Marsh, Robert Harron