An Autumn Sunset Dream

This is in no sense a picture of a dream. In it, another of D'Annuncio's tragic scenarios is set forth in beautiful pictures. The action is supposed to take place in Venice at the time of her glory. The story deals with thwarted passion and the terrible vengeance the neglected woman wreaked upon her supplanter in the affections of a count. This vengeance is accomplished through the spells of a sorceress who makes, in wax, a figure of the supplanter, Pantea, and the neglected Dolores stabs this and then sets it on fire. We are shown the terrible results. One scene, marvelously beautiful, is on a large pleasure ship where Pantea is entertaining the count. Another is in Dolores' palace where the sorceress has set up the smoking tripod and the wax figure of Pantea. We see Dolores gleefully stab the figure, again and again. The scene again changes, and we see Pantea suffer. We then see Dolores set the figure on fire. Then we see Pantea's ship in flames. We afterward see Dolores stop. The thought has come to her that the count is also on the burning ship. The sorceress confirms her fear and she swoons. The photographs and lighting are perfect and give what might be termed a literary atmosphere to the scenes that is very pleasing. The scenes themselves are artfully constructed and add greatly to the picture. The quality of the acting of these well- known Ambrosio players needs no comment, but it is remarkably fine. Exhibitors will make no mistake in featuring this picture; but they should be careful to add a light comedy to go with it in the bill, as this picture is certainly very tragic. It is, however, among the strongest pictures, if not the strongest, of the week. It is certainly the most artistic. - The Moving Picture World, January 20, 1912