PRINCESS THEATRE.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1262, 25 June 1914, Page 34

PRINCESS THEATRE.

“JUDITH OF BETHULIA.” No more magnificent picture has been screened than “Judith of Bethulia,” which is drawing the people in throngs to the Princess Theatre. The story is based on the Book of Judith in the Apocrypha, and is aglow with incident, vitality, and gorgeous scenes. Holofernes, chief general of the Assyrian army, tried to capture the Jews of Bethulia. He stormed the walls, but was unable to capture the city. He then attempted to starve Bethulia into submission by taking possession of all their springs and wells. The inhabitants were fast dying of thirst and famine, and begged the elders to surrender to the Assyrians. Judith, a beautiful widow of Bethulia, had a vision, and offered herself as a deliverer of her people. Dressed alluringly, in her finest raiment, and radiant with many jewels, she went forth to the camp of the Assyrians and secured an interview with the brutal Holofernes. Dazzled by her beauty, he fell in love with her, and she played on his weakness until he was ready to promise anything. Judith, however, is caught in her own net, for she, too, feels the tender passion. But the thought of her people arouses her. Dazing Holofernes with wine, she seized his sword and cut off his head, escaping back to Bethulia with the gruesome trophy, just as the people were giving up hope. And so inspired were the men of Bethulia by her act, that they fell upon the Assyrians and completely routed them, returning in triumph to do homage to Judith, their deliverer.

The siege of the city, the storming of the walls, the battle scenes, the barbaric surroundings of Holofernes’ camp, are wonderfully vivid and impressive, while the superb acting which characterises the production makes it stand out as a triumphant achievement. Moving pictures must

certainly have reached their limit in telling this story.

“Judith of Bethulia” will be shown all the week. The sessions are: 11.15 a.m., 1 p.m., 2.30 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 7.30 p.m., 9 p.m.