Movie 17min
The Fall of Babylon (1911)
Not rated.
Facts
Director | Theo Frenkel |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Production | |
Distribution |
Categories
Apocrypha Babylonian Empire Based on the Bible Belshazzar Bible Movie Biblical Drama Daniel Drama False Accusation King Lost Film Old Testament Rulers Short Silent Film The Book of Daniel Writing on the wall DramaShortApocrypha, Babylonian Empire, Based on the Bible, Belshazzar, Bible Movie, Biblical Drama, Daniel, False Accusation, King, Lost Film, Old Testament, Rulers, Silent Film, The Book of Daniel, Writing on the wallDescription
AN adaptation of the Scriptural story of the Prophet Daniel and King Belshazzar, son of the famous Nebuchadnezzar. For the purposes of a cohesive narrative, the Apocryphal story of Susanna and the Elders is prefaced; the climax is reached in the capture of Babylon by Cyrus, King of Persia, and the death of Belshazzar.
Source: Kinemacolor Film Catalogue 1912-1913
Synopsis - 12 scenes.
Portraits.
The film opens with portraits of the principal participants in the story.
A Woman's Honour.
In the first scene we see Susanna, wife of Joachim, a rich man of Babylon, in whose house are lodged two Elders, judges of the people. They are much attracted by the beauty of the wife of their host. Susanna is repelling their unwelcome attentions. The intervention of Daniel and the appearance of Joachim completes their discomfiture and they depart with vows of vengeance.
The Conspiracy.
Morality in those days seems to have been no better than in the present, and we next find the Elders seeking revenge by the simple expedient of making a false accusation. Accordingly Susanna is seized, brought before her judges and charged with an imaginary offence. The Elders, however, have concocted an infamous plot, and her plea of innocence is unavailing. Though no other evidence than their word is offered she is found guilty and condemned to death.
Daniel's Intervention.
However, there is one present who is convinced of Susanna's innocence - none other than the Prophet Daniel who, by a subtle cross-examination, worthy of Solomon himself, easily refutes the testimony of the Elders, and Susanna is saved.
King Belshazzar
bestows royal favours on Daniel for his wisdom. Belshazzar has taken a great interest in the trial of Susanna and bestows a cloak and a gold chain on Daniel as a signal mark of honour.
A Festival.
King Belshazzar is seen making a great feast to many of his lords. For the purpose of display he calls for the vessels of gold and silver which his father had taken from the Temple at Jerusalem, greatly to the displeasure of Daniel, who foresees in this desecration nothing but disaster. This is further presaged by the sudden apparition of a man's hand, and the appearance of a mysterious writing on the wall. The merriment is checked and festivity gives way to fear; the omen is such that none can understand, yet it is clearly a portent. The wise men are called in, but in spite of the offer of sumptuous rewards none is able to read the cipher. At length Daniel is remembered, and on being summoned at once interprets the fatal words thus: - "God hath numbered thy Kingdom and finished it. Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting. Thy Kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."
The Prophecy Comes True
and the King's worst fears are realised. Almost immediately the city is invaded by the Medes and Persians under Cyrus and the King is slain. Thus passed the Kingdom of Babylon.
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Cast
Julie Meijer | - | |
Theo Frenkel | - | Belshazzar |
Crew
Theo Frenkel | - | Director |