PLAZA THEATRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17771, 1 November 1919, Page 7

PLAZA THEATRE

Tlie new film drama, -which was unwound for the first time at the Plaza yesterday, entitled " The Soul 'of Buddha," tells of a beautiful half-caste Javanese girl who becomes a novitiate in the Temple of Buddha as a dancing girl. The high priest makes advances to her, but they are spurned by Bav'ahari. Escaping from tho temple, she elopes with an English army officer, who marrios her, and tho higli priest vows vengeance. Wherever the couple go, they are confronted with l the Hindu death sign, and, to escape the vengeance of the fanatical priesthood, they leave for Franco. There whoso part is interpreted by Theda Bara, leaves her husband, and goes on the stage with a dancing act copied from tho sacred dance of the temple. The hi[ih priest gets an engagement as a Buddhist idol to decorate the sosne, and, as his former dancing girl appears on the stage, he jumps from his pedestal, and, before a horrified audience, carries out his threat of death. The picture is full of dramatic intensity and the scenic effects are in keeping with the story. Shown as supports are a Sunshine comedy, a Mutt and Jeff cartoon, and tho latest edition of the Australian News.