If you enjoy recent independent films and you are not threatened by silent films, then "Salome" is a film you need to watch at least once. It bears small relationship to Wilde's original work, since Wilde worked in language and the film is, of course, limited to title cards. But it was (and remains) an interesting experiment that stands up well with many other silent classics. The camera work is pretty pedestrian and the performances are typical for that era, but the costuming and sets are fairly daring.
Nazimova really pulls it off as the 14-year-old Salome, though Mitchell Lewis and Rose Dione don't fare as well. The supporting actors are quite good as they ham it up. (Between the costuming and the mincing portrayals, this is about the "gayest" film prior to "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".) It's been 85 years since this film was produced and I have yet to see a better light-bulbs-in-the-hair do than Salome's. You really have to give Rambova (and Beardsley) credit for their vision.
As for the story...you guessed it: John the Baptist dies.
Give this short silent flick a chance, if you have the opportunity.
Nazimova really pulls it off as the 14-year-old Salome, though Mitchell Lewis and Rose Dione don't fare as well. The supporting actors are quite good as they ham it up. (Between the costuming and the mincing portrayals, this is about the "gayest" film prior to "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert".) It's been 85 years since this film was produced and I have yet to see a better light-bulbs-in-the-hair do than Salome's. You really have to give Rambova (and Beardsley) credit for their vision.
As for the story...you guessed it: John the Baptist dies.
Give this short silent flick a chance, if you have the opportunity.